Everton manager David Moyes has sparked debate with his unexpected reaction to midfielder Idrissa Gueye being sent off for slapping his own teammate during a shock victory over Manchester United.
Bizarre Red Card Overshadows Historic Win
The dramatic incident occurred in the 13th minute at Old Trafford, when Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card for striking fellow Everton defender Michael Keane. This forced the Toffees to play with ten men for the vast majority of the match.
Despite this massive setback, Everton held on and secured a famous 1-0 victory, their first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2013. The decisive goal came from Kienan Dewsbury-Hall in the first half, sealing a memorable result for the travelling fans on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
Moyes' Controversial Defence of Gueye
In a post-match turn of events that surprised many, David Moyes did not condemn Gueye's actions. Instead, the Everton boss praised the midfielder and expressed satisfaction with the team's overall response.
Moyes emphasised that the fighting spirit and resilience shown by his squad was the key factor in overcoming the disadvantage. He publicly backed Gueye, suggesting that the team's ability to battle through adversity was more important than the disciplinary lapse.
Resilience Trumps Discipline for Moyes
The manager's comments have placed a greater focus on team unity and mental strength in the face of a self-inflicted crisis. For Moyes, the end result—a historic victory against a top side—appeared to justify the means.
This approach of prioritising a strong collective mentality over individual on-pitch conduct is sure to be a major talking point, raising questions about leadership and discipline within the sport.
