Gary Neville has suggested Everton fans simply cannot question the effort from their players in the loss to Manchester United.
David Moyes witnessed his side lose once again at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as the search for their next win on home soil.
By the time Everton play their next game on the Liverpool docks, it will be just about three months since their last victory at the new stadium.
The Toffees lacked the cutting edge needed to beat Senne Lammens in Man United’s goal, with Thierno Barry failing to even register a shot.
What would your message to David Moyes be after the loss to United? 😡
He cannot find the answer at the Hill Dickinson…
David Moyes reacts during Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport
However, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has admitted the home fans cannot deny the effort shown by their players against Michael Carrick’s side.
Everton v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Gary Neville praises Everton’s efforts despite Man United loss
Ironically, Neville did criticise Everton’s Hill Dickinson pitch, which he felt looked overwatered ahead of the game.
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast after the game, the former United defender applauded the efforts from Moyes’ men.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Is is time to drop Barry? 😬
Thierno Barry's statistics vs Manchester United.
“I think what he’s getting out of these players here and the position they are in the league and the points total they have is absolutely fantastic because out on that pitch, it’s not a spectacular team, it’s not, they’ve got a very good set of pros who put a real shift in and that to be fair is a great quality,” said Neville.
“You can’t criticise any of them lads out on that pitch tonight. Now I always say if you’re an Everton fan leaving this stadium, they’ll be really disappointed but what they’ll never do is question the actual commitment of the players out on that pitch.”
Everton were able to dominate in a number of metrics, with 10 corners to United’s one and forcing Lammens into four saves.
But the Blues lacked the cutting edge to make their effort count, with Lammens even criticising Everton’s corner routines.
Given the Blues want to challenge for the European spots, they were taught a lesson by Michael Carrick’s side in how to be clinical.
Everton require more quality in the summer to chase European dreams
Moyes has urged Everton to target Europe this season, but it is becoming clear that the quality simply is not there.
Everton pushed United throughout the game yet found themselves leaving the Hill Dickinson Stadium with nothing to show for their efforts.
“David Moyes, I think at the end of the season will just want a higher contribution from his board and the ownership, you know he needs some players doesn’t he?” Neville added.
It was a quiet window for the Blues over January and that was certainly an opportunity for Everton to cement their ambition in the race for Europe.
After Thierno Barry failed to even have a shot on Monday, the same problems are looking set to cause Everton issues for the remaining 11 games.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox