The Duncan Ferguson era at Everton continued its strong start at Old Trafford this afternoon, with the away side securing a 1-1 draw. It was a game they could have won having taken the lead through a Victor Lindelof own goal.
Mason Greenwood secured a point for the home side, but a major talking point has emerged around one substitution that took place late on.
Moise Kean was introduced for Everton in the 7oth minute, replacing Bernard. He would have very little impact on the game, looking incompetent in possession and displaying a questionable work rate as his team tried to hang on for a result.
By the 89th minute, Ferguson had seen enough. He decided to take off the Italian only 18 minutes after putting him on. It did not go down well with Kean.
Frosty reception from Moise Kean...❄😳
The substitute is subbed himself as Duncan Ferguson makes a big call! pic.twitter.com/3Y4qylA0eq— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2019
These stats show just how poor he was after his introduction.
➡️⬅️ Moise Kean
19 mins played
9 touches
Completed 1/4 passes
Won 0/5 duels
3 fouls conceded pic.twitter.com/mM2jkN0TH0— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 15, 2019
However, the manager said the substitution had nothing to do with the player's performance. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, caretaker boss Ferguson offered an odd explanation for the move.
💪 - "What a shift!"
📋 - "I love a 4-4-2!"
👀 - "In this day and age it probably is a foul - everything is!"
Duncan Ferguson LOVES being Everton manager and his passion shows in this brilliant post-match interview! 👏🔵 pic.twitter.com/Rxu92fgv9R— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2019
You know what, it wasn't because of Moise Kean's performance. I just needed to make a substitution to kill a bit of time, that's all it is.
I've got so many strikers on the bench that I just decided to make that change. It was nothing personal against Moise Kean.
We'd have our doubts here. Kean was very poor after coming on and it seemed like a response to that.
Ferguson would have known that this move would have raised eyebrows so he certainly would not have taken the decision likely. We it indeed only to waste time, he surely would have taken off another player.
Kean has failed to make an impact since his big money move from Juventus, and this could be the final nail in his coffin at Goodison Park.
Many certainly felt it was very unfair on the youngster.
Moise Kean has just been embarrassed infront of 75,000 people in the stadium and millions across the world. 19 year old kid. Why do that to him?
— All Everton (@AIlEverton) December 15, 2019
