David Moyes praised wingers Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish and called their efforts vital in Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.
The Blues secured their first win at Old Trafford since 2013 and also became the first in Premier League history to win away at Manchester United with 10 men, after Idrissa Gana Gueye got sent off at the 13th minute.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s brilliant goal close to the half-hour mark fired Everton in to the lead and the backline, led by James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford held their own to deny United a comeback.
However, the contribution of Everton’s wingers went under the radar. Because of the numerical disadvantage, Grealish and Ndiaye couldn’t play their usual silky game and had to focus more on off-the-ball duties.
They excelled in their respective roles. Ndiaye won back possession on six occasions on the night – more than any other player for Everton, while Grealish won five duels against the Red Devils, with only Thierno Barry (15) and James Tarkowski (6) winning more for the Toffees.
"The two of them did an amazing job, physically. You know, Jack said he ran a bit tonight – did you know that?! No, Jack was really good. The work he did and needed to do to get back, there were a couple of times in the second half where I was thinking, 'My goodness, are you going to make it all the way?', and he did. Ili as well. Ili did a brilliant job for us,” David Moyes said.
"They've both been great, attacking players for us and, actually, in the early part of the game, they were both a threat as well but the longer [the game] went on, we got pushed back and they really helped us.”
Meanwhile, Thierno Barry also provided an excellent outlet. He won 14 aerial duels, the most for a player in the Premier League this season and also had to press the opposition centre-backs.
"Thierno did a great job as well, as the lone striker for long periods,” Moyes added.
"Look, it was a whole team effort – and it's some result to come [to Manchester United] and get the win. It's another three points for us and it keeps us moving in the right direction.
"It was a difficult night for us [as staff] because at any time we weren't sure on the best time to make substitutions because the players who were in the game were doing such a good job and knew their roles.
"So, thankfully tonight, when we did make the changes, they were at the right moments, the right times.
"Having more nights like this will generate what we want. In years gone by, I can remember wins like these and qualifying for Europe – and I don't want to get ahead of myself, I don't want to do it on the back of one victory but, look, I want to try to get Everton supporters back into Europe again.
"I'd love it to be as soon as I possibly can – I don't know if I will do, but it was brilliant to get them the win at Old Trafford."
Everton will look to maintain their winning run when they host Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend.
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1 Posted 27/11/2025 at 16:06:44