Everton produced one of the Premier League’s most astonishing victories of the season as they defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, despite playing over 75 minutes with 10 men after Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking his own teammate Michael Keane.
The incident, which occurred in the 13th minute stunned players, fans and officials alike. Moments earlier, Everton had already suffered a setback when captain Seamus Coleman limped off injured. Tensions rose immediately afterward when Bruno Fernandes fired wide from a distance and frustration spilled over between Gueye and Keane. As the pair exchanged heated words Gueye lifted his hand to Keane’s face prompting referee Tony Harrington to show a straight red. VAR swiftly confirmed the decision categorizing the midfielder’s action as violent conduct. It marked the Premier League’s first dismissal for fighting a teammate since 2008.
Despite the numerical disadvantage it was David Moyes Everton who showed greater fight, organization, and belief. Manchester United who entered the match unbeaten in five surprisingly failed to capitalize on their extra man. Instead, Everton struck the decisive blow in the 29th minute through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Picking up the ball near midfield the energetic midfielder surged forward danced past Fernandes and Leny Yoro and curled a sensational strike beyond Senne Lammens fingertips. It was a moment of individual brilliance that silenced Old Trafford and ignited the visiting supporters.
United dominated possession but lacked penetration throughout. In the first, Jordan Pickford comfortably saved Fernandes long range effort the break. Ruben Amorim, marking exactly one year in charge of Manchester United, attempted to shift the momentum by introducing Mason Mount at halftime and later Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot. But United’s attacks remained predictable, slow and blunted by Everton’s disciplined defensive structure.
As frustration built, Everton grew in confidence. Pickford delivered a heroic performance producing critical stops to deny Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and a powerful Joshua Zirkzee header. Later on, Matthijs de Ligt’s volley was blocked sealing United’s fate as boos echoed around Old Trafford at full-time.
For Moyes, the victory carried personal significance. In his 18th attempt the former United manager finally claimed his first Premier League win at Old Trafford as a visiting coach. It was also Everton’s first League victory at the stadium since 2013 coincidentally during Moyes own brief tenure at United.
After the match, Moyes downplayed the Gueye and Keane confrontation suggesting such flare-ups reflect a desire to win. “ I quite like my players getting annoyed with each other if someone makes a mistake “He said though he acknowledged Gueye apologized to the squad after the match.
For Manchester United, the defeat was historic for all the wrong reasons: never before had they lost a Premier League match at home to a team that received a red card. For Everton, however it was a night of resilience unity under pressure, and a reminder of the fighting spirit Moyes continues to instill.
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