There was a sense of optimism among Manchester United supporters prior to their match against Everton on Monday. Ruben Amorim's side were unbeaten in five Premier League games, and a victory at Old Trafford would have provided further evidence that they had turned a corner under their Portuguese coach.
Spirits were only boosted even further after Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for slapping his own teammate just 13 minutes into the tie. However, things then began to unravel, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall curled a strike around Senne Lammens to break the deadlock.
With an hour still to play, supporters might have been guilty of assuming that it was just a matter of time until they found the back of the net. But for all their efforts, the Red Devils could not beat Jordan Pickford, as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat in disappointing fashion.
Everton's Idrissa Gueye is held back by Everton's Jordan Pickford as he clashes with teammate Michael Keane Related
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Unsurprisingly, supporters are less than happy with what they saw from their squad against the Toffees. But United really were not helped by their manager, who made four bizarre decisions which cost them any chance of winning the game.
No Change in Formation After the Sending Off
Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action against Everton
Premier League - Manchester United v Everton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 24, 2025 Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action REUTERS/Phil Noble
Amorim has been wedded to his 3-4-2-1 formation since arriving at Old Trafford, despite admitting in the past that doubts over the team's structure have even been shared by his players at points. But when Gueye was sent off, that should have been the excuse to take the handbreak off, especially after Dewsbury-Hall had scored.
However, there was no shift from Amorim on the sideline. Substitutions were made, but the team's formation remained the same, with Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt sitting deep. Although players pushed forward late on, that should have happened way earlier in the game. It was a cowardly move from the United manager, and one that was only exacerbated by his other decisions.
Casemiro Should Have Been Substituted Earlier
Manchester United's Casemiro in action against Everton.
After a drab 45 minutes, Amorim did elect to make a change at half-time, bringing off Noussair Mazraoui for Mason Mount, who played just behind struggling striker Joshua Zirkzee. That, in fairness, was the right call from the former Sporting Lisbon boss, as his team needed more creativity and spark, which Mount went on to provide in spades.
But with Everton sitting deep and United piling forward, there was no need to keep Casemiro on the pitch, especially with three defenders sitting behind him. Although the Brazilian is an effective enforcer, they needed more creativity to break down their opponents. Amorim, however, elected to wait until the 58th minute before he withdrew the 33-year-old for the more attacking Kobbie Mainoo. That change really should have been made 13 minutes earlier.
Diogo Dalot Should Not Have Been Brought On
Manchester United's Diogo Dalot rubs his head.
If the decision to swap Casemiro for Mainoo came too late, then the other substitution that Amorim made in that moment was downright unnecessary. Diogo Dalot was brought on for Patrick Dorgu in the hope that he could provide more energy on the left flank.
Having the Portuguese international and Luke Shaw on the pitch at the same time really didn't feel like it was needed with just 30 minutes left to play against 10 men. Although United lacked attacking options on the bench because of injuries, Amorim might have trusted 18-year-old Shea Lacey instead, rolling the dice by bringing on a young forward who has plenty of desire to help the team.
Gary Neville, who was commentating on the game, was certainly unimpressed with the substitution, calling Amorim out live on the air. Having first said that he was "not convinced" by Dalot coming on, he later went on to criticise United's manager for persisting with three at the back and the 26-year-old at wing-back
"Ruben Amorim has a question to answer. Bringing Dalot on over there in front of Shaw?
"I don't quite see it. You have five at the back, why? They still don't win the first ball or second ball. Embarrassing."
Amad Diallo Was Not Used Properly
Manchester United's Amad Diallo challenges Everton's Jack Grealish
Premier League - Manchester United v Everton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 24, 2025 Manchester United's Amad Diallo in action with Everton's Jack Grealish REUTERS/Phil Noble
In recent weeks, Amad Diallo has been one of United's standout players. Having scored against Nottingham Forest, he put in an excellent display against Tottenham, setting up Bryan Mbeumo for the opener in that tie.
He's typically lined up off the right, but the manager elected to play him on the left against Everton, partly out of necessity due to Matheus Cunha's injury. Unfortunately, it was a decision which didn't pay off, with him not looking completely comfortable and United looking unbalanced. Mount's substitution at half-time led to Amad shifting back to his preferred flank. But the decision to deploy him as a wing-back, out wide and away from goal, raises additional questions, especially considering that he's managed two assists and a goal in the four games prior to Monday night.