Moyes’ happy return

THE Grim Reaper will be the last thing on David Moyes’ mind when he returns to Everton today.

On his only previous visit as an opposition manager, a betting firm’s publicity stunt proved ominously prophetic for the under-fire Manchester United manager.

The man dressed up as death just a few feet behind Moyes, below, saw his graphic prediction come true when the axe fell within 24 hours of United’s 2-0 defeat in 2014.

But his job is not under threat this time despite Sunderland being bottom.

Moyes says it will be the good times he recalls as Everton boss rather than that fateful afternoon. “I wasn’t happy because we lost at my old club and people knew I’d lost my job before I did,” he said. “That was the game that meant we couldn’t qualify for the Champions League.

“As for the Grim Reaper, I never even knew about it because he was sitting behind me. But I’ll be going back thinking of the happier times, thinking about the brilliant days and nights.” As for current Everton manager Ronald Koeman, he hopes his former club Southampton lose to Manchester United tomorrow in the EFL Cup final. If United finish above Everton they are likely to be in the Champions League or Europa League places. But if they win the EFL Cup, that means the Europa League spot from the competition goes to the Premier League. Five of the top six being in the FA Cup could also help. Koeman said: “It is true you need help from which team will win the League Cup or FA Cup. “In that way we hope United will win at the weekend and one of the biggest clubs wins the FA Cup, because then it’s possible seventh in the table can play a qualifier for the Europa League.”