‘My goodness’- David Moyes singles out Everton pair for dirty work in Man Utd victory

David Moyes heaped praise on two of Everton’s most dangerous attacking players for their defensive contributions during the club’s impressive victory at Old Trafford.

Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye have been central figures in Everton’s attacking progression this season, regularly unlocking defences and delivering decisive goals.

However, on Monday night, it was their relentless work without the ball that stood out as they fought to protect the lead created by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike.

Their defensive efforts were even more remarkable given the chaotic start Everton endured. Within the opening quarter of an hour, captain Seamus Coleman was forced off through injury, and Idrissa Gueye was sent off following an altercation with teammate Michael Keane.

Despite the setbacks, Everton regrouped, took the lead, and displayed immense resilience to secure their first win at Old Trafford since 2013 — only their third ever in the Premier League era.

Moyes emphasised just how crucial Grealish and Ndiaye were to the defensive battle.

“The two of them did an amazing job physically,” he said after the match. “Jack told me he ran a bit tonight — and you could see it. The amount of recovery runs they had to make was incredible.

There were moments in the second half when I wondered, ‘Are you really going to get all the way back?’”

He also highlighted Ndiaye’s efforts:
“Ili did a brilliant job for us. They’ve been outstanding for us going forward and, even early in the game, the two of them were a real threat. As the match went on, though, we just got pushed deeper and deeper.”

Everton’s gritty display at both ends of the pitch ultimately sealed a historic victory and showcased the team’s commitment to digging in when it mattered most.