It wasn't supposed to end this way. On a chilly Monday night at Old Trafford, Everton walked out with a 1-0 win over Manchester United — their first league victory at the Theatre of Dreams in over 30 years. The goal came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 29th minute, and the drama didn’t stop there. Just 12 minutes later, Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking his own teammate, Michael Keane, leaving Everton to defend with 10 men for over 60 minutes. Yet they held on. And when the final whistle blew, the away end erupted like they’d just won the Cup.
How a 10-Man Everton Pulled Off the Impossible
The numbers didn’t add up. Everton had won just once at Old Trafford since 1993. Manchester United had won all four of their home games this season. The odds? +307 for an Everton win. But football isn’t played on spreadsheets.
Dewsbury-Hall’s goal was clinical. A quick counter, a slide from James Tarkowski to free the ball, and a left-footed curler past André Onana. United responded with pressure — 18 shots, 7 on target — but the defense held. And then came the turning point: Gueye, frustrated by a disputed call, swung his arm into Keane’s ribs during a tussle near the halfway line. Referee Tony Harrington didn’t hesitate. Red card. The stadium fell silent. Everton’s bench looked stunned.
“They deserved the win,” said Ruben Amorim post-match. “We had the ball, the chances. But they were hungrier. They fought like men with something to prove.”
A Manager’s Return, A Stadium’s New Face
The emotional weight of this match wasn’t lost on anyone. David Moyes, Everton’s manager and former United boss, stood in the technical area with his arms crossed. He’d last won here in 2013 — the last time Everton beat United at Old Trafford. He didn’t celebrate. Not then. But you could see it in his eyes: this was personal.
And then there was the stadium itself. For the first time, Old Trafford opened its newly completed safe standing area — one of the largest in the Premier League, holding over 5,000 fans. The section, nicknamed “The Stretford End 2.0,” was packed with flags, drums, and chants. It was supposed to be a celebration of modernization. Instead, it became the backdrop for a historic upset.
How the World Watched
Across the UK, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League carried the match live, with MUTV offering pre-match analysis from legends Quinton Fortune and Danny Webber. In the U.S., fuboTV, USA Network, and Sling TV Blue streamed the game. NBC’s YouTube channel offered highlights within hours, while Peacock remained the official home for live Premier League action stateside.
Even fans watching from home got in on the action. The Stretford Paddock YouTube channel hosted a live watchalong with presenters Joe, Scotty, and Ronaldo Brown — complete with memes, commentary, and a running bet on whether Gueye would get a red. Over 120,000 tuned in.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Everton, this win lifts them above Liverpool in the table — a rare moment of Merseyside superiority. It’s their first win in five league games, and suddenly, survival isn’t a pipe dream. Moyes’ side now has momentum. And confidence. The kind you can’t buy.
For Manchester United, it’s a gut punch. They’ve now lost two of their last three home games. The defense, once rock-solid, looks brittle. And the midfield? Lacking creativity. Amorim’s men are still searching for their rhythm. With a Saturday lunchtime trip to Crystal Palace looming, the pressure is mounting.
What’s Next?
Everton travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United in a televised evening fixture. A win there, and they’ll be within touching distance of the top half. United, meanwhile, face a must-win game against Palace — a side that’s won two of their last three at Selhurst Park. The Red Devils can’t afford another slip.
And let’s not forget the record books. United hadn’t lost to Everton at home since 2022 — when Anthony Gordon’s lone goal did the damage. Now, they’ve lost twice in three years. The tide, slowly, is turning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Everton manage to win with only 10 men?
Everton’s defense, led by James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, absorbed relentless pressure. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made four crucial saves, including a point-blank stop from Christian Eriksen in the 78th minute. Their compact shape and disciplined positioning neutralized United’s attacking threats, turning the disadvantage into a fortress.
Why was this Everton’s first win at Old Trafford in over 30 years?
Before this match, Everton had won only once at Old Trafford since 1993 — a 2-1 victory under David Moyes in 2013. United’s dominance at home, combined with Everton’s inconsistent away form, made victories there rare. This win breaks a 32-year drought and marks only the fourth Premier League win for Everton at Old Trafford in history.
What impact does this result have on the Premier League table?
The win lifts Everton to 12th place, leapfrogging rivals Liverpool for the first time this season. United, now in 10th, are just two points above the relegation zone. With only five points separating 12th from 6th, this result reopens the battle for mid-table security — and possibly even European spots.
Was the red card to Idrissa Gueye justified?
Referee Tony Harrington deemed Gueye’s strike on Keane as violent conduct — a clear red under FA rules. Replays showed contact to the ribs, not a stray elbow. While some fans argued it was a moment of frustration, not malice, VAR Paul Howard confirmed the decision. It was harsh, but correct under the letter of the law.
What does this mean for Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United?
While no manager is safe after two home losses in three games, Amorim still has backing from the board — especially after a strong start to the season. But if United lose to Crystal Palace on Saturday, pressure will intensify. The lack of creativity in midfield and defensive lapses are growing concerns. Fans are already asking: Is this a rebuild, or a crisis?
How significant is the new safe standing area at Old Trafford?
The newly opened safe standing section holds over 5,000 fans and is one of the largest in the Premier League. It’s designed to improve atmosphere and safety, replacing old terracing with rail seats. While its debut was overshadowed by the result, it signals a major shift in how United engages with its most passionate supporters — and could become a blueprint for other clubs looking to modernize.
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