Premiership: Barthez a United doubt

Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Roy Carroll is in line for a Boxing Day place against Everton at Goodison Park as first choice Fabien Barthez struggles against a back injury.

Barthez suffered a recurrence of the problem which kept him out of the trip to Middlesbrough earlier this month as he made a save by his post during the latter stages of the 6-1 win against Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Carroll, a Northern Ireland international, joined United from Wigan Athletic during the summer and could come into the starting line-up at Goodison along with David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make changes despite Saturday’s big win with Beckham ready to return after being rested with a slight back injury and Giggs fully fit again after missing five games with a hamstring problem.

United still have injury problems at the centre of their defence with Wes Brown, John O’Shea, David May and Ronny Johnsen all under treatment.