The American Abroad was not available because he technically remains property of United until summer, when his full transfer to the Toffees will take effect.

Sir Alex Ferguson stipulated in the loan deal that Howard could not be used against him, and the Premiership leaders stormed back from two down to win 4-2.

Though not wanting to discourage young stand-in Iain Turner after a couple of misplays, the Everton coach did rue the lack of his #1.

“I’ve known for a while what the situation was with Tim Howard,” Moyes told the Liverpool Echo.

“But it just shows that when you get to the big games you need your big players.”

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