Everton boss David Moyes admitted he loved his players fighting in their 1-0 win over Manchester United - despite Idrissa Gueye being sent off as a result.
After Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's winner at Old Trafford, Moyes said in his post-match press conference: "If nothing happened, I don't think anyone in the stadium would have been surprised.
The Everton manager acknowledged being informed that striking a team-mate constitutes a sending-off offence but defended the passion shown.
"I like my players fighting each other, if someone didn't do the right action. If you want that toughness and resilience to get a result, you want someone to act on it," Moyes said.
David Moyes revealed he was happy to see his players fight on the pitch, despite it seeing a player sent off
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Ten-man Everton produced an extraordinary performance to defeat United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Monday evening, the first time Moyes has won a match at the ground as an opposing manager.
The match took a dramatic turn after just thirteen minutes when Gueye received a straight red card for striking fellow defender Michael Keane during a heated exchange.
Despite the numerical disadvantage for more than three-quarters of the match, the Toffees remained resolute and secured victory through Dewsbury-Hall's spectacular strike, ending their twelve-year wait for success at the Theatre of Dreams.
Dewsbury-Hall's decisive moment came from a brilliant individual effort, as the midfielder embarked on a solo run before unleashing a curling shot from the box's edge that beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The hosts struggled to capitalise on their numerical superiority, managing only a long-range Bruno Fernandes attempt that Jordan Pickford comfortably handled before half-time, prompting jeers from frustrated supporters.
The red card came in the 13th minute after Idrissa Gueye slapped Michael Keane
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Pickford later produced exceptional saves to deny Joshua Zirkzee twice, whilst Mason Mount squandered opportunities after his interval introduction as United's attack remained ineffective throughout.
The absence of key attacking players Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha severely hampered United's attempts to break down Everton's disciplined defensive structure.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville voiced his frustration at Amorim's tactical approach, questioning the persistence with a five-man defence against ten opponents.
Everton's winner came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with a strike from outside the box
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"You have five at the back, why? They still don't win the first ball or second ball. Embarrassing," Neville remarked, adding criticism of the substitutions leading United "down a cul-de-sac" and highlighting inflexibility from both manager and players.
The result represented Moyes' maiden Premier League triumph at Old Trafford as an opposing manager after seventeen unsuccessful attempts, whilst simultaneously marking the end of Amorim's promising start following five matches without defeat.
For Everton, the victory ended an eleven-year drought at the venue, with their previous success coming in December 2013 when Moyes occupied the home dugout.
“I quite like my players fighting each other.”
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 24, 2025
David Moyes shares his honest view on Idrissa Gueye’s red card incident 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OcadAnxN76
The Everton boss later revealed that Gueye had apologised to teammates for his dismissal and praised their efforts in securing the historic result.