It was really disappointing to go out of the Carabao Cup at Everton on Monday night. After winning away at Crystal Palace in our last league game, we went into the tie with high positivity and I didn’t think we played badly, but we made some individual mistakes.

We tried to come back and in the second half, we were the better team but when we conceded the third goal, it killed any chance of a comeback.

Statistically, it was one of the best games we’ve played away from home. We created some good openings and had some dangerous shots, but it’s difficult to take positives after a loss like that. Ultimately, we lost 3-1 and we are sad that we were knocked out of the competition.

Now our main focus for the next few weeks will be the Premier League. It’s good to have an opportunity to turn things around quickly against the same opponents tonight, and to look for some revenge.

This is my first time writing to you after being chosen as part of the team’s Leadership Group this season, which was a role I was very happy and proud to be given. It’s a new role for me and I know the Head Coach has trust in me to bring energy and positivity, and of course most importantly, try to score goals and help the team win games.

When times are tough, I try to talk to the guys and be positive in every moment, because we have a young squad.

But we know that we have a lot of quality and we just need to focus on that and make sure that everyone stays together because not everything is black and white. We need to find the right balance, mentally and physically, to get results.

We must be united as a squad and also channel the energy of our fans, who travelled in such numbers to Merseyside and who we know will be right behind us again here tonight. We always want to win for the badge of the club, but especially so for you when we hear you screaming our names and supporting us.

We know who we’re playing for and I was sad for you on Thursday night. But it’s our job to make them happier this evening.

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UNITED is on sale around St. James’ Park tonight for £3.50.