DAVID MOYES must decide whether to risk Tim Cahill against Manchester United or hold the Australian back for next week’s FA Cup replay against Liverpool.

Cahill underwent a precautionary X-ray yesterday after limping off with a foot injury towards the end of Everton’s 1-1 home draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, whose 61st-minute opener was his sixth goal of the season, made way with five minutes remaining after receiving the knock.

“Tim received a kick to the inside of his ankle and although it doesn’t look too serious we’ve sent him for a precautionary X-ray,” said head physio Mick Rathbone. “We’re now awaiting the results.”

Everton travel to United tomorrow evening aiming

to extend a nine-match unbeaten run that has helped them cement sixth place in the Premier League table.

But even if Cahill is given the all-clear, Moyes may opt to rest the Australian with Wednesday’s crucial FA Cup fourth round replay at home to neighbours Liverpool in mind.

That would put Victor Anichebe on standby to return to the starting line-up, after dropping to the bench in midweek following the return of Marouane Fellaini and Mikel Arteta.

Everton’s visit to Old Trafford is the fourth of a five-game series against teams from the top four, with Moyes’s men having drawn the previous three.

And goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that recent run of tough games has helped Everton maintain a strong momentum.

“It’s going to harden us when all is said and done,” said the American. “Once you play in those atmospheres and you gain that experience it can’t be taken away from you.