Moyes and Amorim Address Teammate Clash in Everton’s Victory
David Moyes chose not to criticize Idrissa Gueye after the Everton midfielder was sent off for an altercation with teammate Michael Keane during Everton’s narrow 1-0 victory against Manchester United. Moyes expressed that he appreciates his players showing emotion when things don’t go right on the pitch.
Gueye received his marching orders just 13 minutes into the match after he confronted Keane and slapped him during a dispute over a misplayed pass that allowed Bruno Fernandes a chance to score, which he failed to convert. Despite being down a player, Everton secured the lead with a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 29th minute, with the team then holding off a frustrated United side that saw their five-match unbeaten streak come to an end.
Moyes remarked, “I like my players fighting each other when someone doesn’t execute the right action. If you want to achieve toughness and resilience for a win, you need players to act on these moments.” He added that he was surprised by the quick decision from the referee, suggesting more deliberation was warranted, especially since the rules state a slap to a teammate can result in punishment. Moyes expressed disappointment over the red card but acknowledged that players often get frustrated with their teammates during matches.
After the game, Gueye took to Instagram to apologize to Keane and his teammates, acknowledging that although emotions can run high, such actions are unjustifiable. Moyes confirmed that Gueye had indeed apologized to the locker room, stating, “There’s no problem, we move on.”
Moyes also noted the significant achievement of winning at Old Trafford, a venue where he had previously never won in 17 attempts. “If you told me we’d get a result with 10 men, I’d have thought it would be very tough,” he stated, praising his players for their incredible performance.
On the other hand, Ruben Amorim wished his own team had exhibited similar grit. His players struggled against the well-organized Everton side, showing little intensity throughout the first half until late in the game. “From the very beginning, I sensed a lack of intensity,” he said. He praised the notion of fighting for possession, but he disagreed with the red card decision, emphasizing that it’s important for players to push each other without crossing the line into dangerous conduct.
United’s defeat leaves them languishing in 10th place, a disappointing position given that a win could have sent them up to fifth. Amorim acknowledged the team’s current standing, highlighting that they have a considerable amount of work ahead to compete for higher rankings in the league.
n
