Morgan Schneiderlin was looking like a player destined to be sold in the summer, until Marco Silva shocked us all by recalling the 15-cap former France international for our trip to Cardiff and then the Merseyside Derby.
He had only been seen for 22 minutes since the 0-0 draw with the Red half of Stanley Park, though, but Schneiderlin found himself back in the limelight against Manchester United in place of the suspended Andre Gomes.
Being back on the pitch also brought the defensive midfielder back to the front of the minds of many fans on the Grand Old Team forum, with some still unconvinced he has a future at Goodison Park.
The Red Devils flop has a contract with us until the summer of 2021, and we would have to find a club who are willing to match, or offer close to, his £100,000-a-week wage if we opt to sell.
If he continues to put in displays like he managed against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United on Sunday, Silva may not wish to part ways with the 29-year-old, either.
Schneiderlin did not have a Man of the Match game against the Old Trafford natives, but he managed to win his only attempted tackle, recorded an interception, and won one of his four attempted aerial duels.
He also completed 90% of his 48 passes, with one being considered key by Who Scored.
Fans, though, are not entirely convinced he has a future in Royal Blue …
“Excellent today, didn’t put a foot wrong, so credit where it’s due.” – Maccavennie (April 21, 16:12)
“Just like he did in the derby. Came in and looked very, very solid. This Morgan is definitely good enough to stick around.” – EvertonArntWe (April 21, 16:13)
“Very frustrating player, well within him to put in first-rate performances, but follows it up by going hiding in the next match. 2 more games to put himself in the shop window I guess.” – DublinBlueNose (April 21, 16:14)
“He’s fine – good positionally, terrific passer, but he’s not a good enough athlete to be a good No. 6 in the PL for a club like ours. Sell, we can do MUCH better.” – Crimhead (April 21, 16:18)
“For a limited player he did well today, nothing amazing, fair play to him” – 4737Carlin (April 21, 16:35)
“Thought he was average first half. Somewhere around the 60th minute he seemed to come to life and was almost fighting with [Paul] Pogba for the ball.” – Zatara (April 21, 16:39)
“He did okay today. That said, I don’t trust him not to go back off the boil again. Needs to be sold in my opinion.” – Coggy (April 21, 16:43)
“Will always have him start instead of [Tom] Davies and [James] McCarthy.” – HKToffee (April 21, 16:52)
“Absolutely hate this rat, but he played decent today. Would still sell because he’ll probably throw a tantrum soon and be garbage again.” – Lelouch (April 21, 17:38)
“Morgs plays, clean sheet achieved” – NSNO-Chris (April 21, 17:44)