Manchester United faced a surprising setback at Old Trafford on November 4, 2023, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against a 10-man Everton side. The loss marked a significant moment for United, as it was the first time they lost to Everton at home in the Premier League since 2013. Manager Ruben Amorim expressed his frustration on the touchline as his team struggled to regain control against the visitors.
The match began with Everton’s determined approach, confidently pressing Manchester United and forcing them into errors. Despite their historical challenges at Old Trafford, where they had secured only one win in 32 years, Everton took the lead through a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the 25-minute mark. The goal came as a result of a defensive lapse by United, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens failing to properly position himself to stop the shot.
In a dramatic turn, Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye received a red card just before halftime for an altercation with teammate Michael Keane, leaving the away side to play the second half with ten players. Despite the numerical advantage, Manchester United struggled to find the net, with their attempts thwarted by a resilient Everton defense.
Amorim made two enforced changes to his starting lineup due to injuries to Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha, bringing in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. The tactical battle was evident from the outset, with Everton adopting a high defensive line and pressing United aggressively. The intensity escalated when Zirkzee was pushed to the ground by James Tarkowski, resulting in a warning from referee Tony Harrington.
Despite the red card, Everton maintained their attacking momentum, showcasing their determination and resilience. The away fans erupted with joy as Dewsbury-Hall’s goal sent shockwaves through the United squad. The home side, who had previously struggled in defense, could not capitalize on their numerical advantage, with missed opportunities further compounding their woes.
United’s lineup saw the return of Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, the latter making his comeback after a nine-month absence due to a cruciate ligament injury. Martinez’s return was celebrated by fans, who showed their support as he warmed up on the sidelines. Meanwhile, academy standout Shea Lacey was included in the senior squad for the first time, recognizing his impressive performances at the youth level.
As the match progressed, it became clear that United’s first-half performance echoed their struggles from the previous season. Amorim’s side faced criticism for their lack of engagement and urgency against an Everton team that was perceived as vulnerable. Following a disappointing first half, Amorim made tactical adjustments, including substituting Noussair Mazraoui at halftime and bringing on Mason Mount.
Despite the changes, United continued to falter in their attempts to break through Everton’s defense. The fans expressed their frustration as the home side failed to convert their chances, leaving them stranded in the mid-table of the Premier League. Amorim will likely face scrutiny as he evaluates the team’s performance in the wake of this unexpected defeat.
The match concluded with jubilant scenes from the Everton supporters, who celebrated their first victory at Old Trafford in a decade. The result will undoubtedly serve as a wake-up call for Manchester United as they aim to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. With the winter months approaching, Amorim will need to rally his squad and address the issues that have plagued their performances thus far.
