It was an unbelievable scene. Only 13 minutes had passed in the match when a Manchester United shot went off target. Everton’s defenders had failed to properly clear the ball, giving United the chance to take that shot. This likely sparked an argument between Everton’s defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye and centre-back Michael Keane. In a heated moment, Gueye lost his temper and slapped Keane across the face.
Sensing the situation was escalating, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stepped in to calm Gueye down. He hugged him and tried to pull him away, but an agitated Gueye grabbed Pickford’s shirt and lashed out verbally as well.
Referee Tony Harrington had no choice but to take control. He showed Gueye a straight red card. Gueye thus became the first player in 17 years to be sent off in the Premier League for striking a teammate. The last such incident occurred in 2008 when Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller slapped his captain Andy Griffin. This is only the third teammate-to-teammate red card incident in Premier League history.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Everton did not leave Old Trafford empty-handed. In the 29th minute, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored with a brilliant curling shot to give Everton the lead. That lone goal proved enough as David Moyes’ team secured a rare victory at United’s home.
For Moyes, United’s former manager, this was his first win at Old Trafford as an opposition coach—on his 18th attempt since returning to Everton. It was also Everton’s first win at the stadium since December 2013, when Moyes was actually in charge of Manchester United.
United failed to take advantage of playing 77 minutes against 10 men. Despite taking 25 shots, they couldn’t score and suffered an unprecedented setback. Opta reported that this is the first time in Premier League history that Manchester United have lost at Old Trafford after an opposition player was sent off. Previously, in 46 such matches, United had 36 wins and 10 draws.
United manager Rúben Amorim was understandably frustrated. Hoping for a fifth straight home win, he was left disappointed. “We cannot win matches playing like this. I’m really disappointed—especially at home,” Amorim said.
On social media, Idrissa Gueye issued an apology: “First of all, I want to apologize to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also want to apologize to my teammates, the staff, the club, and the fans… I will make sure this never happens again.”
United now sit 10th in the table with 18 points from 12 matches. Everton, also on 18 points from 12 games, sit 11th. Arsenal lead the table with 29 points from 12 matches.