The Everton boss opened his post-match reflections by confirming the midfielder apologised to the squad for his moment of madness but insisted the reaction that followed showed everything he wants from his team.

Gueye, now 36, walked after just 16 minutes when he raised his hands to Michael Keane as the pair argued over defensive positioning. Moyes admitted he was "annoyed" by the altercation but also "quite pleased" by the competitive edge it revealed.

He said: "He apologised to the dressing room at full-time. There was no problem at all. We move on. I was annoyed they were at each other, but I was also quite pleased because it showed me they both cared."

The incident threatened to derail Everton's hopes of only their second league win at Old Trafford since 1992, yet the visitors responded superbly. They took the lead after 31 minutes through a stunning solo goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who glided past two challenges before bending a right-footed strike into the top corner.

United, unbeaten in their previous four home league matches, looked rattled and rarely forced Jordan Pickford into serious action before half-time.

Moyes insisted there were no angry exchanges in the dressing room at the break, saying he was far more focused on United's tactical adjustments. He said: "Not one word was said about the red card. It was done. I was more concerned about what United would try in the second half.

"We defended brilliantly when they put more men forward."

United dominated possession after the restart, with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee all going close, but Pickford produced a series of strong saves as Everton held firm. Zirkzee twice forced the England keeper into full-stretch stops, yet the equaliser never came.

The result ended United's five-match unbeaten run and marked Everton's first Premier League victory on a Monday since 2021. It also delivered back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

Moyes praised his players' resilience, adding: "If we did not have that fight and energy, we would never have got through the game. Most people here came to see Manchester United, but Everton stood up and did their job."

For Moyes, the win not only underlined his team's growing defensive steel but also showcased the spirit he has been demanding. And despite the red-card drama, the night ended with Everton celebrating one of their most disciplined and determined performances of the campaign.

Lehlohonolo Seema placed on special leave - report