Manchester United boss David Moyes rues Phil Jones’ mistake in defeat to Everton

David Moyes’ Manchester Utd had just two shots on target at Goodison Park.

Manchester United manager David Moyes was disappointed to lose on his return to Everton and rues the mistake made by Phil Jones in the first half.

Jones through himself at Romelu Lukaku’s shot and stuck his hand out to block the shot. Mark Clattenburg awarded a penalty that Leighton Baines scored. It was an uphill task for United from then on as Kevin Mirallas then doubled the lead later in the half.

It was a below-par performance from United with no spark or creativity but Moyes was pleased.

“We had a lot the ball, passing, and controlled the majority of the game. But we didn’t have a cutting edge and got done on the counter attack. We gave away two dreadful goals,” he told BBC Sport.

“I’ve no arguments with the penalty. But it was terrible mistake, because David De Gea would’ve just picked the ball up.

“We couldn’t find the telling pass, or clever play in the final third that makes the difference. I thought we did well, were the better team at 2-0 down in the first half.”

The defeat and Arsenal’s win at Hull earlier today means United are now mathematically unable to qualify for the Champions League next season and must try and push to finish in a Europa League place.

“We’ll do everything we can to win the remaining four games. We are under way with what we are doing to improve next season and try to give ourselves a better chance to compete at the top end of the table.”