NO-ONE was surprised by what happened at Old Trafford at the weekend.

Most Everton supporters would have thought a point at Manchester United would be a good result, and David Moyes’s side came within six minutes of a creditable draw.

But United did what they did best, a late goal, job done and a step nearer the Premier League title.

The game painfully highlighted an issue that has dogged Moyes throughout the campaign. What to do with his strikers? Everton had precious little threat going forward. In an ideal world, Jermaine Beckford wouldn’t be in the starting XI, he’d be an impact sub.

He was in League One last season, so you can’t expect him to be running the two centre-backs ragged at Old Trafford.

Victor Anichebe, too, is not a regular starter up front at this level, but at least he gave it a bit more of a go when replacing Beckford in the second half.

Okay, Louis Saha is out injured. But Louis Saha is very often out injured. If it somehow wasn’t already glaringly obvious that Everton need a new striker in the summer, it should be now.

At least in defence they have few concerns. Phil Jagielka was again outstanding at the weekend, and you can count on one hand the number of mistakes he has made this season.

It’s rare to find that level of consistency, which is why Everton must resist any overtures towards the centre-back in the summer.

Would they do the same for Jack Rodwell, however?

Rodwell has endured a season where he hasn’t quite kicked on, although that’s not unusual for a young player, especially dogged by injuries as the midfielder has been this campaign.

No-one is quite sure where Rodwell’s best position is, and it may be a year or two before that becomes apparent.

Moyes may face a difficult decision in the summer. If, as is expected, United come in with a big bid for Rodwell, does he keep the player or sell him and bring in two or three others with the money?

Unless the goose lays the golden egg, Moyes isn’t going to just have to manage the players at Everton.

He’s going to have to manage the money too.