Idrissa Gueye’s Attire and Past Stir Debate in Man Utd Match

LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye recently found himself at the center of renewed attention following the club’s goalless draw against Manchester United on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium. While the Premier League encounter itself lacked attacking quality, fans and commentators focused on Gueye’s unique choice of attire and his enduring presence as one of the league’s oldest active players, which in turn brought his controversial past with the same opponent back into the spotlight.

The 36-year-old Senegalese international, who started in central midfield for Everton, opted to wear white leggings underneath his white shorts in the ‘frigid conditions,’ a look that many fans watching the match found ‘bizarre’ and ‘eye-catching,’ according to reports from The Sun. At 36 years and four months old, Gueye is currently the fourth oldest player in the Premier League, a testament to his longevity in top-flight football.

Gueye’s On-Field Presence and Unique Attire

Despite the sartorial distraction, Gueye played a significant role in the tightly contested 0-0 draw. He was involved in several midfield exchanges, though one instance saw him under-hit a pass to a teammate, leading to an interception by Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo. The match was characterized by strong defensive performances from both sides, with neither team creating many clear-cut opportunities. Everton’s manager, David Moyes, had almost a full squad to choose from, with Gueye being a pivotal part of the midfield alongside Tim Iroegbunam and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Gueye’s decision to wear leggings under his shorts sparked numerous discussions on social media and among match commentators, highlighting how even minor details can capture significant attention in high-profile Premier League fixtures. His age, too, was a point of interest, underscoring his continued physical conditioning and tactical importance to the Everton squad, a team known for its tenacious play.

Recalling the Michael Keane Confrontation

The recent match against Manchester United inevitably brought back memories of a highly controversial incident involving Idrissa Gueye just months prior. In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in November 2025, Gueye was infamously sent off just 13 minutes into the game for striking his own teammate, defender Michael Keane. The altercation, detailed by The Mirror, began after Gueye made a sloppy pass in his own penalty area, nearly leading to a Manchester United goal.

This error triggered a heated argument between Gueye and Keane over defensive assignments, which escalated into Gueye slapping Keane across the face. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford intervened to separate the two players, but referee Tony Harrington immediately showed Gueye a straight red card for violent conduct. Despite playing with 10 men for nearly 80 minutes, Everton surprisingly secured a historic 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to a stunning goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Gueye subsequently issued a sincere apology to Keane and the squad, serving a three-match suspension after the FA rejected Everton’s appeal.

Idrissa Gueye’s Enduring Role at Everton

Remarkably, both Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane started the recent goalless draw against Manchester United, a testament to their professional reconciliation and continued importance to David Moyes’ team. Despite the past on-field dispute and subsequent suspension, Gueye has remained an integral part of Everton’s midfield, known for his defensive work rate and ability to break up opposition play.

His return to the squad after the suspension coincided with an impressive run of form for Everton during the winter months, suggesting that the incident, while highly unusual, did not derail the team’s spirit. Gueye’s performance in the latest match, even with the peculiar attire, reinforces his status as a key figure in the Everton lineup, capable of drawing both praise for his play and attention for his unique personality.

Idrissa Gueye’s latest appearance, marked by his distinctive attire and veteran status, underscores his enduring, if occasionally contentious, impact on Everton, demonstrating his capacity to remain a central figure in high-stakes Premier League encounters despite past controversies.