Manchester United suffered a stunning defeat at Old Trafford on Monday night. A 10-man Everton side secured a surprising 1-0 victory. This result highlighted significant issues in United’s progress under manager Ruben Amorim.

The match saw an early turning point. Everton’s Idrissa Gueye received a red card after just 13 minutes. This was for a challenge on Michael Keane. Everton then played most of the game with ten men. This incident should have given Manchester United full control. Instead, it set the stage for one of their most frustrating displays this season.

The Shocking Defeat Unfolds

For long stretches, Amorim watched his team struggle from the touchline. Young defenders Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro frequently gave away possession. This happened even without pressure from the opposition.

Amad Diallo filled in as a makeshift number 10. Matheus Cunha’s injury forced this change. Diallo often made poor decisions in promising attacking positions. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes usually deliver in crucial moments. However, both players wasted chances they would typically convert.

Up front, Joshua Zirkzee made his first start of the season. Kobbie Mainoo also played more minutes, pushing for World Cup consideration. Neither player made a significant impact. In goal, Senne Lammens’ attempt to stop Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was ineffective.

Zirkzee’s late header forced a superb save from Jordan Pickford. This was the only moment of genuine hope for the home fans. United had aimed to climb to fifth place with a win. A repeat of last season’s 4-0 victory over Everton would have put them fourth.

Despite playing against 10 men for 77 minutes, United could not find a response. This defeat marked a historical first for the club. United had never before lost a Premier League match at Old Trafford after an opponent received a red card.

Amorim’s Frustration and Honest Assessment

After the match, manager Ruben Amorim shared his disappointment. “Old Trafford was there saying ‘we are all here to give a big step up’,” he admitted. “I felt that we were not ready.”

Amorim stressed the need for perfection. He continued, “We are not there. We are not even near the point we should be. We need to fight for the best positions in the league.” He stated, “We have a lot to do and we need to be perfect to win games. We were not perfect today.”

He openly acknowledged his team’s poor performance. “Frustration, disappointment,” Amorim said. “They were the better team. We deserved to lose.” He emphasized the expectation for victory given the circumstances. “Twenty minutes in the game, a red card for the opponent. We need to win this game no matter what,” he added.

A Season of Unfulfilled Potential

This defeat follows a worrying trend. United recently let leads slip in consecutive matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. They managed late equalisers in both games. This latest loss leaves them 10th in the league table. They are now three points adrift of the top four.

The club spent £250 million during the summer. This investment aimed to elevate the squad. They finished 15th last season. Despite the significant spending, the team’s struggles continue to expose deeper issues. Fans are now questioning the direction of the club under Amorim.