But the messages emanating from Goodison is that while the club will back their manager as much as they can, it is unlikely to facilitate any similar big-money buys.

May Everton have to cash in one of their many saleable assets? It seems unthinkable, but every player has a price.

Moyes rightly believes Everton should now be considered an attractive proposition for top-class players. The problem, though, is actually paying for them.

A striker is a priority, along with a powerful midfield presence to complement Fellaini and Mikel Arteta, while Tony Hibbert’s unfortunate Wembley woes have strengthened the case for Lars Jacobsen’s Goodison sojourn to be extended.

Michael Owen is perhaps the most intriguing name being assessed, although his fitness concerns could count against him given the chronic injury problems that hampered Everton’s efforts.

The travails of pre-season dragged on in to the new campaign, where home defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth only heightened the anxiety surrounding the club.

Seasons don’t often turn on the strength of a single tackle, but it’s hard to ignore the knock-on effect Phil Neville’s crunching challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo in October had on Everton’s fortunes.

Moments later, with United rattled and the previously subdued home crowd on their feet, Neville crossed for Fellaini to head in an equaliser that earned a draw against the champions. Everton then lost only three of their next 25 games.

The upturn in form coincided with Moyes ending speculation over his future by penning a lucrative new five-year contract, and Fellaini finding his feet in English football.

He may not have yet found a pair of scissors – his luxuriant Afro has attracted a cult following – but the Belgian cut down on his bookings to start realising his potential, particularly in front of goal.

Leighton Baines made the most of an opportunity over Christmas to finally make the left-back slot his own, Jagielka was again outstanding at centre-back while Steven Pienaar filled the creative breach left by the injured Arteta to impressive effect.

Youngsters Jack Rodwell – so unlucky to miss out at Wembley – and Dan Gosling both began delivering on their promise, although Victor Anichebe stagnated and James Vaughan desperately needs an injury-free campaign.

While the FA Cup run brought famous victories over Liverpool and Manchester United, along with a magnificent performance in seeing off Aston Villa, the other knockout competitions were less forthcoming.

Carling Cup defeat at the opening hurdle at Blackburn Rovers was bad enough, but the real sickener was the UEFA Cup first round exit against Standard Liege.

An extended run in the UEFA Europa League will be one of several priorities for an increasingly expectant support.

But whether the top four remains out of reach may ultimately be decided in the boardroom and not the field of play.