Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 14 May 2026 14:53, UK

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David Moyes has been passed up for the Premier League’s Manager of the Season award, despite a strong campaign for Everton.

The Toffees are still in the race for European football with two games remaining, despite spending much of last season flirting with the relegation zone.

Moyes was re-appointed by Everton in January 2025 and has transformed the situation on Merseyside, despite dealing with numerous issues.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will likely be the favourite to win the award if his side win the Premier League, although Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also a strong contender.

Should Everton’s form see them over the line in the race for European football, the decision to snub Moyes will look an even more bizarre one.

David Moyes snubbed despite Everton transformation

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Everton plan to offer Moyes a new contract this summer, after a superb 18 months in charge.

When the Scot returned to Goodison Park to replace Sean Dyche in January 2025, the Toffees sat just one point clear of the relegation zone.

By the end of the season, they were 13th, and have continued to make strides forward this season.

Only two teams have won more games on the road than Everton, and two wins to end the season could see them finish as high as sixth. Even seventh or eighth should be enough to qualify for European football, if Manchester City win the FA Cup on Saturday.

And that is ignoring all of the problems Moyes has had to deal with. Before anything, the Scot needed to guide his team into a new era, moving to Hill Dickinson Stadium after 133 years at Goodison Park.

Their new home had had its moments this season, but it is expected to take some time to become the bearpit the old stadium was in its prime.

Then, there are the injuries. Jarrad Branthwaite, arguably Everton’s best centre-back, has spent virtually the entire season out injured, making just 10 appearances.

Star man Jack Grealish also saw his season ended early with a foot problem, cutting a chunk out of the Toffees’ attack.

For obvious reasons, the judgment over Manager of the Season nominees is limited to the season in question. But it should be acknowledged that, despite everything Moyes has had to deal with, he could still take his team to a six-place jump up the table.

Michael Carrick nomination is an insult to Moyes

Among the candidates for Manager of the Season are Premier League title challengers Arteta and Pep Guardiola, as well as Europe chasers Iraola and Keith Andrews.

It is hard to argue that Regis Le Bris’ nomination is not deserved either, considering how comfortable Sunderland have been on their Premier League return.

But the final candidate may leave Moyes with a bad taste in his mouth. Michael Carrick arrived at Manchester United to replace Ruben Amorim in January and has undoubtedly done a good job.

The Englishman has won 10 of 15 Premier League games, securing Champions League football and likely earning the permanent appointment.

Carrick has got a team lacking confidence now playing well and he deserves credit, but a nomination for Manager of the Season over the likes of Moyes appears unwarranted.

Armed with a squad worth in the hundreds of millions and with likely player of the season Bruno Fernandes in the form of his life, the 44-year-old has had one game a week to deal with since his appointment.

Sadly, Moyes has become the victim of big-club favouritism. His best response will be to lead Everton to six points to end the season, securing European football and making his snub look even more ridiculous.