Everton Sends Manchester United Back Into a Cycle of Defeats

For the first time since December 2013, Everton managed to defeat Manchester United at their stadium, “Old Trafford,” with a 1-0 victory at the conclusion of Match week 12 of the English Premier League.

The “Red Devils” fell after a run of five matches without defeat, during which they recorded 3 wins and 2 draws, but they slipped back into the cycle of losses by suffering their fourth defeat of the season. Their tally remained frozen at 18 points in tenth place, sitting behind Everton on goal difference after the “Toffees” claimed their fifth win.

What stood out most was that Everton’s victory came despite playing with ten men almost from the start, as the referee showed a straight red card after just 13 minutes — sending off Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye for slapping teammate Michael Keane during a dispute between them.

Gueye thus became the first player in Premier League history to be sent off for fighting with a teammate since 2008, when Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller was dismissed for slapping teammate Andy Griffin during a match against West Ham United.

Everton had also suffered another setback earlier, specifically in the tenth minute, when their Irish captain Seamus Coleman picked up an injury and was forced to leave the pitch, with compatriot Jake O’Brien coming on as his replacement.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Everton scored the opening — and ultimately only — goal of the match through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who dribbled past Bruno Fernandes and Leny Yoro before unleashing a superb strike from outside the box that nestled into the corner (29).

United’s players pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but England international goalkeeper Jordan Pickford repeatedly denied the “Red Devils,” while Everton’s defense limited the hosts’ ability to create dangerous chances. Their best opportunity came from a powerful header by Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee in the final ten minutes of regular time.

Despite dominating possession, United were unable to break down Everton’s defensive block, leaving their Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim visibly frustrated — especially on what was a personally significant occasion for him, as the match marked the first anniversary of his debut in charge after joining from Sporting Lisbon.