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David Moyes has played down talk of the significance of his first return to Goodison Park since leaving Everton to take over at Manchester United. • Martinez: Respect Moyes after the game
• PickCenter: Everton vs. Manchester United The Scot was Everton manager from 2002 until 2013, recording nine top-eight finishes and reaching the FA Cup final in 2009, but he insists the game is not all about him. Everton, under Roberto Martinez, are chasing a top-four finish, while Moyes has reportedly been given the target of qualifying for the Europa League, and he is solely focused on the result rather than any sentimentality about past achievements. He told his prematch news conference: “First of all, the game is not about me, it's about Everton and Manchester United on the day. I go there as manager of Manchester United and I'm delighted to be that. I was proud to be manager of Everton at that time but my job now is to make sure I get a result for Manchester United. “The fans were always terrific in my time there, very supportive and always right behind the team. We had some really big games there at times and they'll be supporting the team like the Manchester United supporters have for their team. We go there with a great away record and go there trying to keep that going.” Moyes’ good work has been continued by his successor, and he has paid credit to the stability that Martinez has bought to the club as well as the professionalism of the players. “I know the players -- they are a great group of lads and great professionals who got on with the job and were self-motivated. Over the years, we continued to add players there and it was a great group of young players. “The senior group there is very important too. Roberto has done a brilliant job this year, he's got them playing well and in a good, healthy league position.”
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