Everton boss David Moyes has made it clear that Sylvain Distin's late omission from the side did not cause the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
The Frenchman was forced out of the Toffees line-up before the kick-off because he was ill with John Heitinga his replacement but Moyes feels that change was not the reason for the loss.
"It didn't help but I wouldn't want any excuses," Moyes told Sky Sports.
"Johnny is an experienced player and he would have been delighted to play. That's the way it is and that's why you have got a squad of players and they have to be ready to play."
