Everton showed their first real signs of promise in their final Premier League Summer Series clash with Man United.
After what was a fiery friendly, David Moyes’ side will be content to take a 2-2 draw against the Red Devils.
In what was a repeat from the final game at Goodison Park between the teams, Iliman Ndiaye and a freak Ayden Heaven own goal helped the Toffees secure a well-deserved draw.
Beto struggled against West Ham, and the same appeared once again versus Ruben Amorim’s side.
It was made clear that Moyes was ‘disappointed’ with Beto before the game, but his contribution, along with other Everton players, has now opened Amorim’s eyes ahead of the new season.
Tim Iroegbunam of Everton dribbles past Man United.
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim says Man United suffered with Everton’s physicality
Despite a lacklustre start to pre-season, the Scotsman and his squad will be hoping to end their fortunes on a high after a better display.
It was Ndiaye’s finish that caught the eye as once again the Senegalese showed his quality, setting him up to play a major role in the upcoming campaign.
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Although the winger’s excellence might have caught the United boss’ eye, it was actually how Moyes’ side showed their fiery nature in the game, with Amorim admitting in a post-match interview that United ‘struggled’ vs the Toffees.
“In the end, we have the feeling that we need to do a lot of work still. We struggled in the build-up, with second balls and long balls from the opponent,” Amorim said.
“We suffered the difficulties of the Premier League. We struggled with the physicality and the build up.”
It was a harsh reality for the Manchester side, as Evertonians will surely be happy with this trait they possess.
The physicality stopped Bryan Mbeumo from scoring on his debut, with Mbeumo’s awful record against Everton continuing.
But it’s clear that Moyes has to utilise this battling spirit throughout the next campaign, and the set-up he used should be repeated.
David Moyes can still use Everton set-up after Ruben Amorim claim
As mentioned by the Portuguese, Everton showed their physicality, proving they can compete in the Premier League.
Although more additions are needed, with Moyes saying signing players has been ‘difficult’, the set-up the Blues used against United show that defensively, they have no problems.
This structure in place was similar to last season, with the back four possessing the height and strength needed for Everton’s task ahead.
Right-back Jake O’Brien
Centre-back James Tarkowski
Centre-back Michael Keane
Left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko
Everton’s backline against Man United for the first 60 minutes
Of course, this isn’t the defence Everton want to set up with, as Moyes also wants a new right-back, but having O’Brien in that role does help with the Toffees’ fortunes in being a more battling team.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence is clear, but there could even be an opportunity to use the 22-year-old in a left-back role similar to what O’Brien does on the right, jumping on the trend of central players occupying the wide areas.
It’s worked for O’Brien and should definitely be something to consider going forward for Moyes, as Amorim was clearly impressed.