Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes reacts to a missed chance during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 24, 2025.
Everton produced one of the most dramatic and unexpected victories of the Premier League season as they battled to a 1-0 win over Manchester United despite playing almost the entire match with ten men. The visitors overcame a chaotic early setback involving midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who was sent off for slapping his own teammate Michael Keane during a heated dispute.
The bizarre incident unfolded in the 13th minute when Gueye confronted Keane after a defensive misunderstanding. Referee Tony Harrington immediately intervened, showing the Senegal midfielder a straight red card after he placed his hand on Keane’s face. VAR reviewed the decision and confirmed it as violent conduct. The Premier League Match Centre later described it as a clear strike to the face.
The home crowd expected United to dominate once they gained a numerical advantage. Instead, the hosts struggled to find rhythm or creativity in the final third. Despite controlling possession, they failed to turn it into meaningful chances, appearing increasingly frustrated as Everton tightened their defensive structure under David Moyes’ guidance.
Everton, refusing to be unsettled by the red card, stunned Old Trafford by taking the lead in the 29th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall produced a moment of brilliance, driving forward with purpose after receiving the ball in midfield. He beat Bruno Fernandes and Leny Yoro before bending a superb finish into the top corner, leaving Andre Onana with no chance.
United attempted to respond immediately. Fernandes tested Jordan Pickford with a powerful long-range strike, but the Everton goalkeeper reacted sharply, tipping the ball away as the first half drew to a close. The save energised the travelling fans, who sensed their team was capable of pulling off something remarkable.
Manager Ruben Amorim, marking the one-year anniversary of his first match in charge of United, made tactical changes at half-time. He replaced Noussair Mazraoui with Mason Mount in an attempt to add creativity to the midfield. However, United continued to struggle despite enjoying long spells of possession.
Amorim made further changes in the 58th minute, introducing Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot for Casemiro and Yoro. Yet, even with fresh legs and attacking intent, the hosts appeared blunt. Everton defended with determination, and their organisation frustrated United at every turn.
As the clock ticked down, United pushed harder for an equaliser. Their best late chance came from Joshua Zirkzee, whose powerful header forced another impressive save from Pickford with just over ten minutes remaining. Everton held firm, protecting their narrow lead with discipline and urgency.
The final whistle sparked huge celebrations in the Everton camp. The victory came despite losing captain Seamus Coleman to injury in the 10th minute, followed by the extraordinary altercation between Gueye and Keane minutes later. It was also noted that Gueye became the first Premier League player since 2008 to be sent off for fighting with a teammate.
United, who entered the fixture on a five-game unbeaten run, left the pitch to a mixture of disbelief and disappointment. Everton, meanwhile, recorded one of their most memorable away wins in years, showcasing resilience, unity and clinical finishing in the face of adversity.
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