David Moyes has penned a message to Everton fans ahead of their Premier League encounter with Manchester United today (September 6th).
The Toffees have made a relatively decent start to the season, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 before drawing 1-1 against Bournemouth. They face a United side who bounced back with a 5-2 thrashing of newly-promoted Ipswich Town after a shock 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.
It's not been the easiest of summers for Moyes whose squad has been left depleted following the summer transfer window. He only has one recognised centre-forward in his squad, Thierno Barry, while the Merseyside outfit also sold Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.
Moyes' Message to Everton Fans Ahead of Man Utd Clash
Moyes wrote to fans in today's match programme and urged them to support the team through potential troubles that lie ahead. He said (via Simon Stone on X):
"I must stress the importance of us all pulling together. We need to be strong again and there may be occasions when we have to find a way to get through some difficult moments. It is something you have all done in recent seasons. Everyone has pulled together for the good of the football club and we may need to do so again."
Everton were looking to sign Folarin Balogun as a replacement for Beto following his move to Fiorentina. The American striker pulled out of a switch to Hill Dickinson Stadium after club doctors had initially found issues during a medical.
Moyes won't have Balogun to call upon but Jack Grealish returned for another loan after spending last season with the Toffees. He's one of seven first-team arrivals but many of their fanbase are unhappy with the business conducted.
It's believed that fan backlash over the possibility of Harrison Armstrong heading to Nottingham Forest caused the owners to perform a U-turn. The club's latest academy gem has been a regular under Moyes and supporters were irate when news of a £40m deal broke.
Evertonians Deserve Better
Everton fans are well within their rights to voice their displeasure over recruitment decisions made during the transfer window. Selling Beto to Fiorentina and not signing a replacement is a massive mistake that could prove costly should Barry sustain an injury.
Ndiaye would have been the most viable option to perform a false nine role if Barry were to be unavailable but he's joined City for £65m. Of the new signings who could be used as the focal point of Moyes' attack, Brennan Johnson is probably the likeliest although he comes off a difficult spell at Crystal Palace.
The Merseysiders remain one of the toughest sides to face in the Premier League but if an injury crisis occurs it could be hugely problematic. They finished last season 13th having been floating around the European qualification places midway through.
