Everton choose caution with Grealish as Manchester United await

Jack Grealish has been named among the substitutes for Everton’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United, with manager David Moyes taking a cautious approach over the returning loanee.

Grealish is back in the Everton squad after his spell on Merseyside last season was cut short by a foot injury. Before that setback, he scored twice and provided six assists during his time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Moyes has decided not to restore Grealish to the starting line-up for the visit of the Red Devils. Brennan Johnson comes into the side for the departed Iliman Ndiaye, making him the only change from the team that drew 1-1 with Bournemouth last weekend.

Everton begin the match unbeaten this season. They collected four points from their first two Premier League fixtures and also recorded a victory over Preston North End in the EFL Cup.

The decision to leave Grealish on the bench comes after a frustrating transfer deadline day for Everton supporters. A late attempt to sign USA international Folarin Balogun collapsed in the final stages of the window.

That disappointment was compounded by the departures of Beto and Ndiaye. Beto moved to Fiorentina, while Ndiaye joined Manchester City, leaving Everton to manage significant changes to their attacking options.

Grealish has therefore returned to the squad at a time when Everton are adapting to the loss of Ndiaye. His previous contribution remains a key part of the club’s recent attacking record, although Moyes has opted to introduce him only if required against Manchester United.

Johnson is the immediate beneficiary of that decision, taking the place of Ndiaye in the starting XI. The change means Everton have otherwise retained the side that earned a point at Bournemouth.

With Grealish available from the substitutes’ bench, Everton have the option of bringing him into the game later. His return provides Moyes with an additional attacking choice after the club’s unsettled conclusion to the transfer window, but the manager has chosen not to risk him from the outset.

Everton’s unbeaten record and EFL Cup success have given them a positive start to the campaign, despite the frustration surrounding their transfer business. They now face Manchester United with Grealish waiting for his opportunity, while Johnson begins in the only altered position from last weekend’s draw.