Everton Shock Manchester United with 10-Man Victory at Old Trafford

Everton pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Monday despite playing almost the entire match with 10 men. The drama began early when Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute for slapping teammate Michael Keane following an on-field altercation. The referee, Tony Harrington, showed Gueye a straight red, confirmed by VAR, making him the first Premier League player sent off for fighting a teammate since 2008.

Even with a player down, Everton seized the initiative thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s spectacular strike in the 29th minute. Receiving the ball midway inside United’s half, Dewsbury-Hall weaved past Bruno Fernandes and Leny Yoro before curling the ball into the top corner, giving the visitors a lead that would hold for the rest of the game. Dewsbury-Hall reflected on the red card incident, telling Sky Sports, “It was just a moment of madness. It was obviously avoidable. All I can say is Idrissa apologised to us all at half-time and said his piece.”

How Did Everton Hold Off a Dominant Manchester United?

Manchester United dominated possession, firing 25 shots compared to Everton’s three, but they lacked a cutting edge. Missing injured forwards Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils huffed and puffed throughout the match, with Ruben Amorim making several changes in the second half in search of an equaliser. Despite sustained pressure, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made crucial saves, including a powerful Joshua Zirkzee header in the final 10 minutes, ensuring Everton’s first win at Old Trafford since 2013.

David Moyes celebrated his first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager on his 18th attempt, calling it “probably the hardest way to get a good result” but expressing pride in his players’ resilience. Earlier in the match, Everton had also lost captain Seamus Coleman in the 10th minute, adding to the uphill battle.

Amorim admitted frustration after the match, highlighting United’s lack of intensity and sharpness despite controlling possession. “You can feel right away when we start the game in the first minute, we can feel when we are at the top level in intensity and when we are not,” he said. “We cannot win games in this way.” The home crowd, disappointed by the toothless performance, booed the team off the pitch, as Everton celebrated a historic and hard-fought victory.

Everton’s win proved that determination and composure can triumph over adversity, even when a team is reduced to 10 men early in a high-pressure match.

By Yockshard Enyendi