Everton 2-2 Man Utd: Ainsley Maitland-Niles – an unlikely Everton hero

Sunday’s draw came at the end of a tormenting eight-day period for Everton.

It began during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, when news broke that Everton had accepted a bid from Nottingham Forest for highly rated youngster Harrison Armstrong.

After the travelling supporters made their fury known, the Everton board – led by chairman Dan Friedkin – cancelled the midfielder’s move.

But the decision to keep Armstrong meant Everton had to raise funds elsewhere before Tuesday’s deadline.

That meant sanctioning the sale of Iliman N’Diaye to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £65m, while striker Beto and right-back Nathan Patterson also departed.

Kinnear’s failure to bring in more replacements – a deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsed – has left Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players until January at least.

That shortage is expected to be felt particularly in the attacking third, with Everton now relying on the erratic finishing of Thierno Barry.

The Frenchman, who is their top scorer in all competitions this season, spent much of the match against United on the periphery.

By heading over Merlin Rohl’s cross towards the end of the first half, Barry took his total for big chances missed to four in the Premier League this term.

“It was a performance which the Everton fans have grown used to from Barry – frustrating at times,” former England and Everton striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

“When he has time on the ball, he can be frustrating and a bit sloppy. He got the one chance and possibly could have done a bit better.

“He’s had a good start to the season, but it was quite a typical performance.”

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