Moyes Applauds Gueye's "Fight": "I Like My Players Fighting"

Technical director David Moyes did not condemn Idrissa Gueye after the Everton midfielder’s sending-off in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Monday. Moyes, known for his competitive mentality, even expressed his approval of his players’ attitude on the field.

The Incident in the Field

Gueye saw the red card at 13 minutes into the match after an altercation with his teammate Michael Keane, whom he slapped after an argument over a missed pass that gave Bruno Fernandes a scoring opportunity that he couldn’t capitalize on.Despite being down to ten men, Everton managed to take the lead with a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 29th minute, and tenaciously defended against a frustrated United who saw their five-match unbeaten run interrupted.

I like my players fighting among themselves, 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.
David Moyes

Moyes commented on the play: “I was disappointed with the expulsion. But we have all been footballers, we get angry with our teammates. He apologized for the expulsion, praised the players and thanked them for it and apologized.”

Idrissa Gueye was held back by Jordan Pickford during the incident in the first half of Everton's win. — Idrissa Gueye fue sujetado por Jordan Pickford durante el incidente en la primera mitad de la victoria del Everton.

Gueye, 36, apologized to his teammates after the match, and Moyes added: “No problem, we move on.”After the match, the midfielder posted on Instagram:

I want to apologize first to my teammate Michael Keane. I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I also apologize to my teammates, the staff, the fans, and the club. Emotions can be intense, but nothing justifies such behavior.

Moyes, who had previously been on the opposing bench at Old Trafford 17 times without achieving a victory, highlighted the notable circumstance of this change.Ruben Amorim, from Manchester United, lamented the lack of intensity of his players in the match.

Fighting is not a bad thing. Fighting doesn’t mean you don’t like each other. Fighting means you lose the ball and I will fight with you because we will suffer a goal. That was my feeling.
Ruben Amorim

The defeat left United in tenth place, while the victory would have placed them in fifth place.