Everton boss David Moyes believes repeating last season's victory over Manchester United could kickstart his side's campaign.

The Merseysiders began the new Barclays Premier League term with high expectations but have collected just one point from their opening three games.

Moyes is convinced his side should be challenging at the top end of the table and is looking for a lift tomorrow as United visit Goodison Park, where they were beaten 3-1 in February.

Moyes said: "It would give us all that belief that we can mix it with the top sides. We feel if we play well we can be a match for any side, and that includes Manchester United."

Moyes is at a loss to explain his side's disappointing start, which has included defeats at Blackburn and Aston Villa.

Last season the Toffees, hampered by injuries, collected just 15 points from their opening 14 games and Moyes is anxious to avoid a repeat.

The Scot said: "We have tried changing the pre-season, we have tried changing all things to try to find a reason.

"It has been frustrating but our football hasn't been too bad. We have merited more but not taken it."

The football news this week has been dominated by headlines concerning the private life of Wayne Rooney, United's superstar former Everton striker.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka has said Rooney should probably expect a rough reception on his latest return to Goodison but Moyes did not want to discuss the issue.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Moyes said: "I think if you are a good football journalist you don't ask those kind of questions. If you are a gossip journalist you ask me those questions. I am interested in talking about the game and that's what I'll do."