Everton fans ‘will respect’ former boss

Roberto Martinez has no doubt Everton fans will find the right balance when David Moyes makes his first return to Goodison Park as Manchester United manager.

Moyes was widely lauded for his 11-year spell in charge of the Toffees but Martinez has become an instant hero on Merseyside.

His attacking style of play has been hugely popular and Everton have already surpassed the highest points tally achieved by Moyes in a season with four games left.

There is far more at stake than simply the return of old faces – former Everton captain Phil Neville is part of Moyes’ coaching team while midfielder Marouane Fellaini could also be involved.

Having beaten United at Old Trafford for the first time in the league since 1992, Everton have the chance to end a 44-year wait by doing the double over their rivals. But most importantly three points would also be a major boost to their hopes of winning the battle with Arsenal for Champions League qualification.

It will no doubt be a source of great pleasure to Everton’s fans that it is they rather than United who have a chance of sitting at Europe’s top table next season

Martinez said: “Facing the champions is a big enough reason to be excited and to make sure we’ve got the best possible environment at Goodison.

“Having the opportunity to do the double on United is something that is not easy to achieve, and then the return of David Moyes.

“We are a club full of integrity and style, we are a proper football club, so we will show the respect to David Moyes and what he’s done at our football club.”