Manchester United vs Everton: Gareth Barry claims Old Trafford fear factor has diminished

The midfielder has enjoyed notable recent success at the stadium

Gareth Barry was part of the Everton team which won 1-0 at Old Trafford last season (Getty)

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry believes playing Manchester United at Old Trafford is nowhere near as terrifying as it used to be.

Barry was part of the Everton team which won 1-0 there last season – their first victory at the ground since August 1992. He also enjoyed notable recent success at the stadium with his former club, Manchester City, playing in both their 6-1 win in October 2011 and the 2-1 success in April 2013.

And, ahead of Everton’s lunchtime trip down the East Lancashire Road, Barry claims the fear which used to grip opposing teams at the Theatre of Dreams has diminished.

“I think it has,” Barry said. “It took me probably 12 or 13 years to win a Premier League game there. But I think I have won the last three times there, it’s just my experience but it sort of shows you maybe it’s not what it once was. At the same time we need to show them the respect they deserve. They have got loads of talent, and if they put it together on the day they can probably beat anybody.”

Everton were unable to end their 15-year wait for a win at Anfield in last weekend’s Merseyside derby, but their endeavour to rescue a point at the death emphasised a growing change in mindset at the club.

Barry thinks much of that belief they can compete with the top sides away from home stems from their win over United at Old Trafford last December, secured courtesy of a goal from Bryan Ovideo four minutes from time.

“It was fantastic to win there last season and a significant result,” Barry said.

“That was a big focal point last season for the confidence of the club to come away from there with three points. And I am sure we will be looking back at that result and doing it again.”