David Moyes has defended Idrissa Gueye after the Everton midfielder was sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane during Monday's 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Gueye received a red card in the 13th minute for violent conduct after approaching Keane, being pushed away, and then striking the defender on the cheek. The victory was Everton's first at Old Trafford in the Premier League since 2013.
Moyes said he likes his players 'fighting each other' if someone does not do the right action, and that the toughness and resilience shown can help get a result. He expressed disappointment at the sending off, suggesting the referee could have taken more time to consider the incident. Gueye later apologised to his teammates, and Moyes confirmed he had thanked them for securing the win.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, as United lost for the first time at home in the league after an opponent was reduced to 10 men. The defeat ended United's five-game unbeaten run, leaving them on 18 points, two behind Crystal Palace in fifth place.
United head coach Ruben Amorim echoed Moyes's sentiment, stating that fighting among teammates is not a bad thing and does not mean they dislike each other. He disagreed with the sending off, adding that his side are not yet near the level required to compete for top positions in the league.
