Manchester United suffered a damaging setback at Old Trafford on Monday night, and manager Ruben Amorim did not hide his frustration after watching his side fall 1-0 to Everton — despite playing with a man advantage for more than 75 minutes.

United Lose Control Despite Early Breakthrough Opportunity

The match appeared to swing in United’s favour early on when Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute. The veteran was shown a straight red after striking his own teammate Michael Keane during an argument that shocked both sets of players.

With Old Trafford expecting United to dominate, the script went in the opposite direction.

Instead of taking control, the hosts looked hesitant, slow, and far from confident. Everton, who came into the match needing points to climb up the table, grew stronger after the red card and punished United’s poor organisation shortly before the half-hour mark.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, one of Everton’s most consistent performers this season fired in a superb finish to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was the type of goal that exposed United’s lack of urgency and their failure to react after gaining a numerical advantage.

Amorim: “The Result Is Bad, But the Feeling Was Worse”

After the final whistle, Amorim did not sugar-coat the performance. His tone was calm, but his words revealed a deeper worry about what he saw on the pitch.

“Forget the result. The result is really bad, but I was more concerned by the feeling I had during the game,” he said. “Everyone should play better today.”

Amorim admitted that United failed to understand the rhythm and flow of the match, and at times simply drifted through key moments rather than taking responsibility.

“We didn’t play as a team. We didn’t understand the game and we were going with the flow. That is my biggest concern,” he added.

The manager was especially disappointed by the lack of energy and sharpness from his players, something he believes was clear from the very first minute.

“You can feel the intensity right away. And today we were not at the top level. You cannot win games in this way.”

A Wasted Chance to Climb Into the Top Five

United entered the match unbeaten in five games, and a win could have taken them into the top five of the Premier League table for the first time in weeks. Instead, they remain stuck in 10th place.

Everton, meanwhile, jumped above Liverpool and into 11th — a reward for their discipline and strong structure, even with ten men.

Statistically, United had more possession and more attempts, but most of their shots lacked power or direction. Everton defended deep, stayed organised, and relied on their work rate to close out the match. It was a simple plan, but against a flat United side, it was enough.

Intensity Issues Raise Bigger Questions for United

Amorim has been open about the long path ahead as he tries to rebuild Manchester United. But this defeat highlighted a recurring problem — inconsistency in intensity and decision-making.

Several players looked slow in transitions, and the team struggled to break through Everton’s defensive lines. Even with fresh legs introduced in the second half — including Mason Mount, Diogo Dalot, and Kobbie Mainoo — the tempo barely improved.

This isn’t the first time Amorim has expressed concern about United’s energy levels. But his comments after the game suggest this performance hit differently.

“I have said many times that we have a lot to do. But today I am really frustrated — especially with the way we played at home, and after everything that happened this week in the league.”

What Comes Next for United?

United now travel to Selhurst Park this weekend to face Crystal Palace, a team known for their physical approach and dangerous counter-attacks. It will be another serious test — and one that Amorim hopes will spark a reaction.

For now, however, fans will be left frustrated. Monday night’s defeat was not just about the scoreline. It was about the lack of control, the wasted advantage, and the worrying signs of a team still struggling to find a clear identity under their new manager.

And as Amorim made clear, time and patience will not stop him from demanding much more.