Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 4 August 2025 12:55, UK

Everton battled to a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in their final Premier League Summer Series match on Sunday, offering a much-needed morale boost.

The Toffees have endured a difficult summer so far, with defeats against Blackburn, Bournemouth and West Ham, following a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley. A 2-1 win over Port Vale in a behind-closed-doors match at Hill Dickinson Stadium represents their only victory.

That remains the case after Sunday’s match in Atlanta, Georgia, but Everton twice came from behind in a great show of determination.

One player, in particular, caused Man United problems and has got fans talking.

Iliman Ndiaye wows fans vs Man United

Iliman Ndiaye was among Everton’s best players last season and brings a level of flair and confidence to the side that no other player can for David Moyes.

On Sunday, he brought his very best.

It was Ndiaye who made it 1-1 as the game moved toward half-time, finishing calmly at the back post from a great ball by Idrissa Gana Gueye.

But Ndiaye brought far more than just a goal, terrorising the United defence throughout.

The Senegal international attempted a whopping eight dribbles during his 84 minutes on the pitch, succeeding with four of them (Flashscore). Ndiaye also attempted two shots, had four touches in the opposition box, won five fouls and 12 of his 18 ground duels.

Ndiaye is lauded by Evertonians for his high work rate and showed that again here, making three tackles — and winning all of them — and one interception.

Supporters lavished Ndiaye with praise after the match.

Despite Everton’s attacking struggles — and an injury that caused him to miss five games — Ndiaye still managed nine goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season.

And it’s not just Everton fans taking notice of his exploits, with neutrals now tipping the 25-year-old for a big move in the near future.

Everton get Jack Grealish boost

While Ndiaye has been a sensation at Everton, he is one of just two recognised senior wingers in Moyes’ squad, alongside Dwight McNeil.

The Toffees definitely need more, and one stellar name linked with them throughout this summer is Jack Grealish.

The 29-year-old will not come cheap, even on loan, but boasts pedigree and technical ability beyond anything Everton have right now.

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness — who worked with the player during their time together at Villa Park — has backed Grealish to make the move to Merseyside.

“When I was at Villa, I had Jack playing there. I renegotiated a new contract for him at the time,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“I really like Jack as a person, and I had a lot of time watching him play. I’ve never seen a player receive a ball and make himself an extra yard in the way that he just controls it. I’m a great fan.

“I think with Moyes giving him a bit more freedom than he might get at City, this would work.

“Now, what I’ve been saying all along, when this first came up a few months ago, is that I think he would like to stay in Cheshire, and Everton would give him that chance to do that. It would be an easy commute for him to come to the training ground at Finch Farm. I think it would give him that stability.

“I know he’s just had a little baby as well with his girlfriend, so I think that may be the situation.

“I didn’t think there’d be any hope of him going to Saudi or things like that because Jack is a real homebody and very family-oriented. His image is that he’s a bit more of a playboy, but that’s not the real Jack that I know.”