Early Everton team news vs Man United: Braiden Graham in first-team training, David Moyes shares his thoughts

Braiden Graham will have been hopeful of making the Everton squad for the Manchester United clash.

The Blues have started the season well with victory over Crystal Palace and a draw with Bournemouth.

James Tarkowski's late goal secured a point for the Blues on the South Coast last time out, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways against the Red Devils.

However, their decision to sell Beto and failure to secure a replacement in Folarin Balogun, has left them with a hole at the striker position.

Thierno Barry is the only senior recognised option for the Blues ahead of the clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Graham has been touted as a potential winner from that lack of business, and Moyes shared his view on that.

What did David Moyes say about Braiden Graham?

Everton's lack of firepower had led to suggestions that the Northern Irish forward could be handed a chance.

The 18-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Toffees, despite impressing at youth level.

Moyes admitted that he likes the young talent, and offered his insight into his position and whether he is ready for the top-flight.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I don’t think he is a striker, first of all, I think he is someone who would play off the sides for us.

“We like Braiden, he’s trained with us a lot, he was in pre-season with us, he is certainly moving in the right direction.

“That would be a difficult ask for any young player to come in and be a source of goals.”

The failure to sign a new striker, with Balogun pulling out of a deal after a deal sheet was submitted has been heavily scrutinised, but it could work out if a new star can emerge.

Unfortunately, it does not like that will be Graham, given the manager's latest comments.

Who could play up top for Everton?

Tyrique George is a potential option to play as the number nine for the Blues going forward.

According to data from Transfermarkt, he has played 11 times in the position in his career, with two goals and four assists.

Brennan Johnson is probably another option, he is very versatile, and has featured in the centre-forward role 55 times in his career.

He has been very successful in that role, with 20 goals and five assists to his name when playing there.

A potential academy starlet who could step up is Omari Benjamin, who has notched 13 goals and seven assists in 48 games for the Under-21s.