RabiuFerguson Slams Moyes for ‘Criminal’ Delay in Playing Star Striker Beto as Everton Suffer Narrow Defeat
Duncan Ferguson has launched a scathing attack on David Moyes, branding the Everton manager’s decision to keep star forward Beto on the bench until late in the game as “criminal” following the Toffees’ heartbreaking 1-0 home loss to Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The match, which concluded just hours ago, saw United claim all three points thanks to a 71st-minute winner from substitute Benjamin Sesko, who finished off a swift counter-attack assisted by Bryan Mbeumo. Everton dominated possession at times and created chances, but lacked a cutting edge up front until Beto finally entered the fray in the closing stages.
Appearing on Sky Sports’ post-match analysis, the former Everton striker and manager did not hold back in his criticism of his old boss Moyes.
“Beto is the best striker we’ve got right now,” Ferguson fumed. “He’s been banging in goals and giving defenders nightmares. You’re 0-0 at home against United, the crowd’s roaring, and you wait until the 70th minute or later to bring him on? That’s criminal. By the time he got on, the game was slipping away, and United nicked it on the break.”
Everton started brightly but failed to convert pressure into goals, with Iliman Ndiaye and others guilty of missing key opportunities. United, under Michael Carrick, soaked up the pressure before hitting on the counter for Sesko’s decisive strike – his third off the bench in recent games.
Ferguson, who knows Moyes well from their time together at Everton, went on: “I respect David – he’s a top coach and brought success here before – but this cautious approach is costing us. The fans were chanting for Beto from early in the second half. At Everton, you play your best players when it matters. Hiding Beto on the bench let United off the hook.”
The defeat leaves Everton in mid-table, struggling to build momentum after a mixed run. Beto, the summer signing who has shown real promise this season, was reportedly frustrated on the sidelines and could be seen urging for more urgency from the bench.
Social media erupted with support for Ferguson’s view, with many fans echoing: “Big Dunc is spot on – start Beto or at least bring him on at half-time. We needed that spark earlier.”
Ferguson, who maintains strong ties to the club from his playing days and brief managerial stint, stressed his comments come from passion: “This isn’t personal. It’s about Everton. Play your star man on time – it’s simple.”
Moyes has yet to comment publicly, but the result heaps more pressure on the veteran boss as Everton prepare for their next fixture. With the Toffees needing points to climb the table, Ferguson’s blunt message rings loud: at Goodison, your best attackers must start – not finish – the fight.
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