David Moyes faces clear choice to deploy ‘brilliant’ Everton star as striker vs Manchester United

Credit: Imago

Mon 24 November 2025 12:40, UK

David Moyes needs to play Thierno Barry over Beto up top for Everton on Monday night.

Everton play Manchester United at Old Trafford, and look for an audacious win in the Premier League.

Moyes has a horrible record against Man United, but will be hopeful of causing a damaging upset to his former employers.

Barry has come under fire for his performances since arriving on Merseyside; however, the Frenchman has one trait which could be key against United.

Credit: Imago

Thierno Barry’s pace will be key vs Manchester United

Everton are understandably the underdogs versus Man United, but that could work in favour of the Toffees.

The Red Devils will most likely look to control the game on their own patch, but Moyes will surely set up to hurt Ruben Amorim’s side on the counterattack.

Barry’s ability to lead Everton’s frontline has previously been described as “brilliant”, and he should be the man to pick versus United.

• Manchester United have an average possession of 50.6%, according to Sofascore
• Amorim looks for his side to press high and win the ball back
• This can often leave space in behind United’s defence

After Everton beat Fulham before the international break, Tony Cascarino was full of praise for Barry‘s performance during the game, while speaking on talkSPORT.

Cascarino said: “He worked his backside off, he chased everything, and he led the line brilliantly. Without scoring, Barry played really well, and it was his best performance in an Everton shirt.“

Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish are capable of scoring goals, and Moyes can use Barry’s pace to find pockets of space to run into on the break and stretch United’s defence.

Credit: Imago

The French forward offers much more in this type of game than Beto does, and his potential involvement could be key to unlocking chances for Ndiaye and Grealish.

David Moyes should start Barry until January market

Beto has been linked with a move away from Everton following poor performances for a long time, as the Toffees may seek a permanent sale come January.

However, with the striker’s future up in the air, it may be within Moyes’ best interests to give Barry the nod for the majority of games through to January.

Credit: Sofascore/Imago

Unlike Beto, Barry has time on his side, still just at 23-years-old.

There would be no bigger way to announce yourself in the Premier League than with a goal at Old Trafford.

Bluenoses can expect a better chance of a positive result if Barry makes the team-sheet.

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