David Moyes, Everton manager
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Mon 4 August 2025 7:40, UK
Everton battled to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in their final match of their pre-season tour in the USA.
After a disappointing defeat against West Ham, David Moyes’ side delivered a much-improved display, and came from behind twice to secure a draw.
Everton have been fairly slow at recruiting in the transfer market, and with less than two weeks until the season begins, Moyes needs to find solutions to ready his team.
Iliman Ndiaye scored Everton’s first goal before ‘setting up’ Ayden Heaven to score an own goal, and Goodison News has now picked out three key talking points from the draw.
Everton manager David Moyes
David Moyes faced two of his old clubs in recent friendlies (Credit: Imago)
James Garner thrives in deep midfield role
There were several changes to the team which lost against West Ham, and James Garner was introduced to the midfield.
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Despite Idrissa Gana Gueye starting, Garner was the deepest midfielder in a deep-lying playmaker role, with Gueye pushing further forward.
This proved to be a masterstroke, with Garner arguably Everton’s best player on the night, and his ball-striking and set-piece delivery provided a threat.
The Englishman in this new role can be Moyes’ secret weapon heading into the new season, with midfield targets such as Douglas Luiz yet to arrive to replace Garner.
Everton have held interest in Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and consider themselves light in the defensive midfield position.
Garner impressed against former club Man United (Credit: Imago)
Tim Iroegbunam shines in rare start
It was a new-look midfield trio for Everton even beyond Garner’s changed role, as Tim Iroegbunam was handed a rare start.
The 22-year-old started just five Premier League games last season, but this is now set to increase, as he delivered a very solid performance in the middle of the park.
Stat Iroegbunam
Appearances 21
Goals 0
Assists 2
Iroegbunam’s stats for Everton
While his decision-making still needs some ironing out, Iroegbunam covered a lot of ground to help Garner and drove forward well, and more match experience next season could certainly help him develop.
Woeful Beto still a concern for Moyes
Beto earned mixed reviews last season and is still failing to convince, with a below-par performance against Man United.
The striker did find the back of the net, but was ruled out offside, to the surprise of no one, and there were good openings which he spurned.
Beto did find some form under Moyes last season, scoring eight Premier League goals.
Thierno Barry replaced him midway through the second half, but Moyes will be concerned that neither of his strikers appears ready to make an instant impact at the start of the campaign.
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