Everton star Seamus Coleman is relishing facing his boyhood heroes Manchester United tonight in the crucial Barclays Premier league fixture at Old Trafford.
Coleman is relishing the prospect of facing his boyhood heroes Manchester United tonight.
Everton currently sit in fifth position in the league table and are two points ahead of Manchester United who currently lie in 8th position.
However, if Everton are to sustain their push for Champions League football Coleman believes they must improve their away record against the top sides.
They didn’t defeat the likes of United, Arsenal and Liverpool away from home during the ten year tenure of David Moyes.
Coleman told the official Everton website, “It’s a massive game and it’s a fixture I always look forward too.
“I supported them as a boy and every player relishes the challenge of playing at Old Trafford and I’m no different.
“It’s a massive game and we’re probably in a bit of unfamiliar position considering we’re ahead of them in the table at this stage of the season.
“It’s a huge game and if we could go five points clear of them it would be fantastic for us and our aspirations of playing Champions League football next season.
“We really need to start defeating the top sides away from home if we realistically want to sustain our top four challenge and Old Trafford is no better place to start.
Coleman acknowledged the significance of the fact it’s the former Everton’s manager first time facing his old club, however Coleman expects him to get a warm reception from the travelling support and hailed the impact he had on his career.
“I’m sure it will be slightly strange for him managing against us, but he was a fantastic manager for Everton and the fans have enormous respect for him as do the Everton players.
“He gave me a chance and helped me develop as a player I will be forever grateful to him for the opportunity he gave me.
Coleman is enjoying a great season for the toffees and scored during their 4-0 win over Stoke at the weekend.