Everton manager David Moyes has revealed that he is concerned by how much his players have been forced to play this season.

The Toffees, who have gained six points from their last five encounters in the Premier League, succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United yesterday.

Moyes, who is aiming for a top-four finish, believes that tiredness could creep in on his stars at the Merseyside club.

"We are asking people like Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, who we rely on heavily, and Leighton Baines to put a big shift in and do it for us every week," said Moyes.

"Maybe the numbers will allow us to have a good half season, but not a good full one. I hope I am wrong. We do tend to finish strongly.

"This time we have had a really good opening, so I hope we can do it again. But we are asking a small number of players to do it for a full season."

Everton are currently in sixth place in the league table, six points away from a Champions League spot.