Nathan Patterson’s future seems clear after David Moyes call in Everton vs Manchester United
Nathan Patterson’s future at Everton looks set in stone after David Moyes decided to leave him out against Manchester United on Monday.
The Toffees fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Red Devils in what was far from a Premier League classic.
Defensively, the Blues had set up well, frustrating the away side, who were struggling to break them down for much of the game.
However, as Everton went in search of a winning goal, they left themselves open as Bryan Mbeumo teed up Benjamin Sesko to put Michael Carrick’s side into the lead.
For Patterson, there was not much he could do, other than watch on from the bench at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and it said quite a lot about his future at Everton.
David Moyes snubs Nathan Patterson vs Man United
With Jake O’Brien suspended, Everton’s options at right-back were slim heading into Monday night’s clash, but Patterson has been fit and available.
Seamus Coleman’s return from injury was also welcomed, but the Irishman was not deemed ready to start against the Manchester club.
It had left Patterson as the clear favourite to start, but in the end, Moyes decided to bench the Scottish defender.
In his place, James Garner was used out of position, which is now surely a big hint to the future of Patterson in the coming months.
The 24-year-old is clearly not trusted by Moyes, who would rather use one of his better-performing midfielders in defence over a natural right-back.
Patterson was subject to interest across the footballing world in January, and now it looks set in stone that he will leave in the summer.
Everton could have beaten Man United with a natural right-back
Garner’s performance against Man United was acceptable, but there is a feeling that the L3 outfit could have found more joy with a natural fullback instead.
The out-of-position midfielder found himself in crossing positions quite often, attempting 14 across the 90 minutes.
Only four were accurate, and with a player who is used to those situations on a more frequent basis, Everton could have found more success.
That is not to say that Patterson was the solution in this instance. Over his six appearances so far this season, the Scotsman has not completed a single cross, as per Sofascore.
A more creative and decisive right-back who is trusted more by Moyes must be signed in the upcoming window.
While Patterson is now likely to head out the door in Merseyside.
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