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On what was undoubtedly a positive afternoon for Everton and interim manager Duncan Ferguson, it was – once again – Moise Kean who stole the headlines.

It wasn't, as you know, for the right reasons.

Hooked in the 88 minute for Oumar Niasse, Kean lived a footballer's worst nightmare.

The sub was subbed.

Conspiracy theories immediately raged online while Ferguson initially claimed it was a time-wasting decision.

Ferguson's moves have been gutsy since taking charge – taking off Richarlison against Chelsea raised eyebrows while Mason Holgate was reinvigorated as a central-midfielder today – but they have all been spot-on.

But this one, maybe, was wrong.

Maybe because Niasse did his job for the six minutes he was allowed. He harried and ran and did Oumar things. Everton drew the game, ultimately. For Ferguson it's job done.

He later told reporters he believed Kean hadn't gotten to grips with the game but it was in its dying embers and he wasn't noticeably struggling with the pace.

The timing was odd, Ferguson might concede, and Kean immediately headed down the tunnel at Old Trafford.

63,000 eyes burning down the back of his neck watched him go.

The Italian was taken off by Marco Silva in the Carabao Cup win over Watford in October and the former boss seemingly had similar reservations about using him freely.

He was also dropped from the match-day squad at Southampton after twice breaking club rules.

Something has not quite clicked and this is a concerning moment for Kean at Everton.

Without a goal and struggling to impress – even when being used as a substitute – it is difficult to imagine how Ferguson, his coaching staff and ultimately the new manager will deal with his situation.

But perhaps Kean is the man most looking forward to a permanent appointment in the dugout.

It could just be his moment to wipe the slate clean and start again.