When you think of Premier League matchups that can deliver tension, history, and unpredictability, Man United vs Everton always ranks high. But the November 24, 2025, fixture at Old Trafford managed to outdo expectations — combining internal bust-ups, raw emotion, tactical masterclasses, and a stunning goal. Everton, reduced to 10 men inside the first 15 minutes after Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for slapping his own teammate, held their nerve for a gritty, historic win. The match was defined by resilience, controversy, and a moment of individual brilliance from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

In this article, we unpack everything: the build-up, key incidents, tactical battles, player performances, reactions, and the wider implications for both clubs.

Historical & Tactical Context

A Rivalry Rooted in Tradition

Manchester United and Everton have a long, storied rivalry in English football. Though Manchester United have traditionally been the dominant force, Everton have often shown they can rise to big occasions. Matches between these two feel like more than just 90 minutes — there is history, pride, and usually, drama.

By the time of this match, both teams were competing for stability in the 2025–26 Premier League season. United, under Rúben Amorim, were on a run of form, and goals were expected to come from key areas. Meanwhile, David Moyes, the Everton manager, knows Old Trafford all too well — but his record as a visiting manager here had been poor. His emotional and tactical approach consistently makes Everton a dangerous team in such crucial matches.

Stakes & Momentum

From United’s perspective, a home win would be an opportunity to push for a top-four spot. For Everton, breaking the long winless hoodoo at Old Trafford was about pride and momentum.

This match also carried symbolic weight: it was exactly one year since Amorim’s first game in charge of United, setting the stage for a narrative about his progress and the team’s direction.

Key Events of the Match

The Bizarre Red Card: Gueye vs Keane

The defining moment came in the 13th minute. Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Michael Keane had a heated exchange after a United attack. What started as a misunderstanding quickly escalated: replays showed Keane pushing Gueye, who responded by slapping his teammate in the face. Referee Tony Harrington, after a VAR review, gave Gueye a straight red card for violent conduct.

This was not just any red card — it was extraordinary precisely because it was a player striking his own teammate. According to reports, this was the first time in the Premier League since 2008 that a player was sent off for such an altercation.

Gueye later apologised publicly, expressing regret to Keane, his teammates, the club, and the fans, acknowledging the mistake and promising it wouldn’t happen again. Everton manager Moyes, surprisingly, defended some of the fight, suggesting that “fighting” can reflect passion and accountability.

The Goal That Sealed it: Dewsbury-Hall’s Stunner

Ironically, Everton’s adversity became their strength. In the 29th minute, just 16 minutes after the red card incident, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a moment of magic. He picked up the ball outside the box, turned, and unleashed a curling, powerful shot that flew past United’s goalkeeper, Senne Lammens.

It was the kind of strike that could break a game open — not just technically impressive, but psychologically devastating for United, who now faced a dogged, determined Everton side.

Everton on the Back Foot — But Holding Firm

After the goal, Everton dropped deep and focused on defending. With ten men for the majority of the game, they organised themselves smartly: limiting dangerous spaces, keeping their shape compact, and relying on Jordan Pickford for key saves.

Pickford was excellent under pressure. One of his standout moments came late in the match when he denied a Joshua Zirkzee header, preserving Everton’s lead. United, despite dominating possession (reportedly over 70% at times), struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances.

United’s Frustrations & Tactical Failings

Manchester United’s response was frustratingly blunt. Despite their numerical advantage, they lacked cohesion, urgency, and creativity in the final third. The team seemed disjointed: slow transitions, misfired passes, and a lack of incisiveness.

Amorim tried to change things by making substitutions — Mason Mount came on at halftime, and Kobbie Mainoo replaced Casemiro later on. Yet, United’s attacks remained predictable. Crosses, hopeful long balls, and low-quality build-ups dominated their play, rather than sharp, penetrating movements.

Closing Stages & Everton’s Grit

In the final phases, United piled on pressure. Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, and others all tried to force the game. But Everton’s defensive discipline paid off. Pickford made crucial saves, defenders blocked shots, and the team remained mentally composed.

When the final whistle blew, the shock was complete: Everton had won at Old Trafford, with ten men.

Manager & Player Reactions

David Moyes (Everton)

Everton manager David Moyes was both relieved and proud. This was his first Premier League win as a visiting manager at Old Trafford — after 17 previous attempts. He praised his players’ resilience, calling their performance “fantastic” considering they had spent nearly the entire match a man down.

On Gueye’s red card, Moyes offered an unexpected perspective: he didn’t shy away from the idea of intra-team tension. As he put it, “I like my players fighting each other … if someone didn’t do the right action.” He admitted the red card was disappointing, but he also highlighted Gueye’s apology and his positive influence in the dressing room after the match.

Idrissa Gana Gueye

Gueye himself issued a mea culpa. He apologised to Michael Keane, the club, and the supporters, saying that his outburst “does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for.” He acknowledged that emotions ran high, but committed to ensuring such behaviour “never happens again.”

Rúben Amorim (Manchester United)

For United’s manager Rúben Amorim, the defeat was a bitter setback, especially on the first anniversary of his first match in charge. In his post-match comments, he conceded that his team lacked intensity, and despite having a numerical advantage, they didn’t show the “same urgency” needed to win.

Amorim also defended the internal fight that led to the red card: “Fighting doesn’t mean they don’t like each other … fighting is that you lose the ball, so I will fight you … because we will suffer a goal.” Still, he admitted that United were not “perfect” tonight and that the team needs to improve to compete at the highest level.

Players’ Voices

• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the match-winner, described it as a “rollercoaster” of a game, emphasising how the red card galvanised the team rather than shattered them.
• Matthijs de Ligt, a United defender, was critical of his own side’s performance: he called it “a step back,” saying they lacked patience, composure, and the ability to break down a deep block despite dominating possession.
• Among the fans, especially on social media and Reddit, reactions were furious on the United side: calls for tactical overhaul, criticism of the coaching staff, and deep disappointment that they couldn’t capitalise on a 10-man opponent. On the Everton side, there was delight, pride, and a strong appreciation for Pickford, whose saves were instrumental in securing the win.

Why This Result Matters: Bigger Implications

Breaking the Old Trafford Hoodoo

Everton’s win was not just any victory — it was their first Premier League win at Old Trafford since December 2013, a full 12 years ago. For Moyes, this is deeply symbolic: he managed United in the past, and returning as an opposing manager to finally win is a personal milestone.

Psychological Momentum for Everton

Winning under such adversity — playing more than three-quarters of the game with 10 men — could be transformative for Everton. It’s a massive display of mental strength, unity, and belief. If they channel this into upcoming matches, it could be a turning point in their season.

A Reality Check for United

For Manchester United, this result should be a wake-up call. Despite dominating possession, they couldn’t break down a 10-man team. That raises serious questions:

• Are they too predictable in attack?
• Is there a tactical rigidity under Amorim?
• Do they lack the killer instinct in high-leverage matches?

If they aim for the Champions League or top-four, they will need to rectify these issues — and quickly.

Managerial Narrative Shift

• Moyes: This win could be used as evidence of his experience and pragmatism. He set his team up well defensively, managed the red-card blow, and kept his cool.
• Amorim: Losing at home to ten men underlines that he’s still building something fragile. The fact that it comes on the anniversary of his first match could add to the pressure.

League Table Implications

From the reports, Everton’s win lifted them above Liverpool into 11th place, with 18 points. United also stood on 18 points, but were ahead on goal difference. These tight margins mean every match from here on becomes crucial — a loss or win can dramatically swing momentum.

Tactical Analysis

Everton’s Defensive Strategy

David Moyes’ 4-4-1 shape was a tactical marvel of simplicity and execution.

1. Compactness: The space between the Everton defensive and midfield lines was minimal, often less than 15 meters, completely suffocating the creative zone where Fernandes and Casemiro seek to operate.
2. Width Control: The narrow four-man midfield forced United’s wide players (Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo) into ineffective wide areas. Crosses became United’s primary outlet, but they were consistently repelled by the aerial dominance of Tarkowski and Keane, who contested every single delivery.
3. Jordan Pickford: The Everton goalkeeper delivered a performance described as one of the best of his career, making a string of vital saves. His late stops from a powerful Joshua Zirkzee header and a fierce Mason Mount strike were clean-sheet-defining moments, displaying excellent handling and shot-stopping prowess. Everton defended their box with a $1.0$ ‘Expected Goals Against’ ($xGA$) value despite facing 25 total shots, illustrating the low quality of United’s attempts.

Everton, after going down to 10 men, switched to a compact, disciplined defensive block. Their midfield and defence tightened up, reducing gaps and blocking passing lanes. Players like James Garner, the full-backs, and central defenders worked in unison to maintain shape. Their transitions were cautious but effective — they rarely overcommitted, even when United pressed.

Pickford’s role was vital. His shot-stopping, positioning, and leadership from the back gave Everton the platform to absorb pressure. Late in the game, he made crucial saves (like from Zirkzee’s header) that preserved the lead.

United’s Tactical Flaws

Manchester United’s attack was characterised by high volume, low quality. They registered 25 total shots but repeatedly failed to create clear, high-percentage scoring opportunities ($xG$ of only $1.2$). The issue was not a lack of effort but a lack of incision.

1. Over-reliance on Long Shots: Frustration led to Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro attempting speculative shots from distance, many of which were blocked by the solid defensive wall.
2. Lack of Central Link-Up: Zirkzee, in his first start, struggled to hold up the ball against the physical pairing of Tarkowski and Keane. The necessary quick one-twos and third-man runs to penetrate the low block were nonexistent.t
3. Substitutions Failure: Amorim introduced Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo at half-time, hoping to add verticality and dynamism. While Mount had a couple of decent opportunities, the changes failed to fundamentally alter the tactical landscape. The team continued to resort to predictable wide crosses and predictable runs. Amorim’s post-match admission was stark: “They were the better team, with 11 players or 10… we were not there with the same intensity.”

United’s dominant possession masks underlying issues. Their buildup play lacked variation: too many simple passes, a lack of dynamic movement, and little verticality. They failed to probe Everton’s low block effectively.

In the second half, the substitutions (Mount, Mainoo) hinted at an intention to be more creative, but the ideas didn’t translate into high-quality chances. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo tried to stretch play, but their end product was poor. Zirkzee, brought on in place of Benjamin Šeško, had some aerial presence but couldn’t convert.

Amorim’s tactical approach — possession-heavy but lacking penetration — was perhaps too cautious given the game state. Everton had no reason to open up, and United didn’t force them to.

Psychological Edge from the Incident

Interestingly, the red card for Gueye may have had an unintended effect: rather than demoralising Everton, it unified them. The incident galvanised the squad — they tightened up, fought harder, and seemed to draw on the emotional moment to lift their performance. Dewsbury-Hall’s goal stemmed from that resilient mindset.

Meanwhile, United may have expected an easy ride after the red card, but that mental complacency may have cost them. The psychological trap was real: a 10-man opponent can often become galvanised, especially when under threat.

Broader Reactions & Media Coverage

Media Reports

• Al Jazeera highlighted the strange red-card incident and how Everton defied the odds to win.
• The Guardian called the game a “bizarre night” at Old Trafford, criticising United’s performance and applauding Moyes’ tactical nous.
• Sky Sports described it as “Amorim’s side hit a new low,” emphasising the embarrassment of losing at home to ten men.
• Yahoo Sports UK focused on the drama and how Everton finally ended Moyes’ Old Trafford hoodoo.

Fan Sentiment

Fan reactions — especially on social media and Reddit — were intense:

• On r/ManchesterUnited, fans expressed shame, disappointment, and anger over the team’s lacklustre showing.
• On r/Everton, supporters celebrated Pickford as the hero, praised Dewsbury-Hall, and lauded the team’s character.
• Some neutral fans called the red card incident “surreal” or “unprecedented,” and wondered if it could be a turning point in Everton’s season.

Expert Commentary

• Pundits have debated Moyes’ defence of internal conflict. Some argue it’s a sign of leadership and passion; others worry it normalises poor discipline.
• Tactically, analysts praised Everton’s disciplined shape and Pickford’s heroics, but also questioned United’s lack of adaptability, particularly after the red.

What This Means for the Season — Looking Ahead

Everton’s Path

This result could galvanise Everton. With 18 points, they have a foundation to build on. What they must now do:

1. Maintain defensive resilience — If they can replicate this defensive discipline, they could become difficult to beat.
2. Convert emotional wins into consistency — Grit and fight are great, but for a serious push up the table, they’ll need more sustained performances.
3. Manage squad discipline — Gueye’s incident can’t become a template; the club must channel passion without risking future breakdowns.

If Everton leverages this moment, they could punch above expectations in the mid-table or even aim higher.

United’s Challenges

For Manchester United, this is a wake-up call — and possibly a turning point in Amorim’s tenure. Key priorities:

1. Add creativity and urgency — Having more possession is not enough; they need to create chances with quality, not just quantity.
2. Strengthen mental toughness — Losing to ten men raises doubts about their mentality when expectations are high.
3. Tactical flexibility — Amorim may need to rethink some of his approaches, especially in matches where the opponent sits deep.
4. Leadership & cohesion — The team must find internal unity. If they can’t gel in moments of pressure, they risk more self-inflicted setbacks.

If United address these areasitey can recover, but the pressure is mounting.

Conclusion

The Man United vs Everton showdown on November 24, 2025, was more than just another Premier League game — it was a microcosm of football’s unpredictability. A shocking red card, a flash of brilliance, and a massive upset produced a narrative that will be remembered for its chaos and courage.

Everton’s victory at Old Trafford — even while a man down — was a testament to their grit, leadership, and mental fortitude. For United, it was a regrettable dip that underlined deeper issues: lack of cutting-edge, overreliance on possession, and perhaps a fragile mentality.

As the season progresses, both clubs will look back on this match as a turning point. For Moyes and his players, it’s validation; for Amorim, it’s a moment to reflect and rebuild. But for now, Everton fans have every right to celebrate — and United fans have every reason to demand more.