Man Utd held numerous advantages at Old Trafford, as their opponents were demoralized early in the match. Everton captain Seamus Coleman was substituted after just 10 minutes due to poor performance. The Republic of Ireland defender even kicked a water bottle and walked straight down the tunnel, rather than remaining on the pitch to watch his teammates.

Three minutes later, Everton had a player sent off due to an altercation between two of their own players. After Fernandes' long-range shot grazed the post, Idrissa Gueye confronted his teammate Michael Keane. The two argued, and Gueye appeared to slap Keane's face. Referee Tony Harrington immediately issued a red card, enraging Gueye. The Senegal midfielder attempted to continue the confrontation before Illman Ndiaye and Jordan Pickford restrained him and almost dragged him down the tunnel.

English media considered the referee's decision harsh, as Gueye's clash was with a teammate, not an opponent. However, according to the rules, striking a player's face on the pitch warrants a red card. A chaotic situation unfolded for Everton, a team that had dominated the opening minutes.