Everton manager Sean Dyche has offered an honest and straightforward response to his team’s heavy defeat against Manchester United, highlighting two United players as the main contributors to their downfall.
In a candid post-match interview, Dyche acknowledged that the duo completely disrupted Everton’s tactics, turning the game into a one-sided affair early on.
“Two Manchester United players totally ruined our plans,” Dyche admitted. “As soon as I saw them in the lineup and observed their movement in the first five minutes, I knew we were in trouble. They caused chaos and fear, tearing our defense apart. It was a nightmare from start to finish.”
While Dyche did not officially name the players, it is widely believed he was referring to Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, who dominated the match with their superb performance. Fernandes controlled play from midfield, setting up attacks with precision, while Rashford’s speed and finishing prowess kept Everton’s defense in disarray.
Dyche was full of praise for the pair, calling them “the absolute best on the field yesterday” and expressing surprise at how former United manager Erik ten Hag had not fully utilized their talents. “I wonder how Erik ten Hag didn’t see this duo when he was in charge,” Dyche said. “What we witnessed yesterday was their brilliance at its peak. They ended the game before it even began.”
The match at Goodison Park saw Manchester United secure a comprehensive victory, with goals from Rashford, Fernandes, and a stunning strike from substitute Alejandro Garnacho. United’s high pressing and intricate play left Everton scrambling, drawing comparisons to the team’s dominant performances under Sir Alex Ferguson.
For Dyche, the defeat was not just a result of tactical mistakes but a recognition of being outplayed by two individuals who were simply unstoppable that day. “We prepared for everything—set-pieces, counters, possession play—but you can’t prepare for the kind of individual brilliance we saw yesterday. Those two turned a football match into a masterclass,” he said.
The result has further fueled optimism around Manchester United’s revival under their current management, while also highlighting the difficulty Everton faces when up against top-class talent.
With United’s upcoming fixtures on the horizon, fans will be keen to see if this lethal duo can continue their form and help propel the team to consistent success. As for Dyche, he will likely be hoping he doesn’t have to face them again anytime soon.
