There is no escaping from the fact that this season has been a disappointment. Guardiola has said not even victory in the competition would salvage the poor showing.
It’s ironic, given Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a team that focuses on marginal gains, to see such talent being wasted by the Red Devils.
The rub, which must be painfully familiar for Newcastle United fans. There is talk that he, like many of their other best players, is at risk of being nabbed by rivals.
Moyes and his steely-eyed belief have changed the atmosphere around Everton. He’s given the team, the fans and staff confidence that wasn’t there before.
Nunez has never been able to establish himself as the club’s number-one forward. His best moments have tended to come as an ‘agent of chaos’ from the bench.