Thierno Barry’s data map speaks volumes in record-breaking Everton display vs Man United
Everton secured a 1-0 win away at Manchester United on Monday (24 November) evening and Thierno Barry set a new Premier League record for the 2025-26 campaign.
David Moyes’ side had to play the majority of the contest with ten men, after Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for striking his own teammate, Michael Keane, in the face.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game just past the half-hour mark, curling a delicious strike past Man United keeper Senne Lammens.
Joshua Zirzkee missed several good chances to equalise late on and the Toffees held firm to take all three points back to Merseyside.
Thierno Barry was crucial for Everton vs Man United
With Everton dropping deep after taking the lead at Old Trafford, Barry was left isolated up against the three Man United centre-backs.
As highlighted by the 23-year-old’s touch map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, he was feeding off scraps for the majority of the contest with Moyes’ side down to ten men.
Despite having limited chances to show his quality going forward, Barry still played a big role in helping Everton secure all three points at Old Trafford.
Before being replaced by Tim Iroegbunam on 81 minutes, the French striker pressed from the front, working extremely hard to disrupt Man United’s rhythm.
Barry is yet to score a competitive goal for Everton since joining in the summer, but Toffees fans will quickly warm to the centre forward if he continues to put the effort in.
Thierno Barry sets Premier League record for 2025-26 campaign
As the Everton defence dropped further into their own box, it became vital that Barry could hold clearances up and give his teammates some respite from the Man United onslaught.
The Frenchman executed his target-man responsibilities perfectly, winning 14 out of his 22 aerial duels throughout the night, the most by any player in the Premier League so far this season.
It comes as no surprise that the six-foot-five-inch Barry is so good in the air, but going up against Matthijs de Ligt is no easy task, and the Everton striker undoubtedly got the better of the Dutchman.
The former Villarreal man has now started the last three games for Moyes‘ side, and an extended run in the team could be exactly what he needs to find his feet in the Premier League.