RabiuDavid Moyes Delivers Masterclass Clapback to Michael Carrick’s ‘Over-Rated’ Dig at Everton Star
In the heated aftermath of Everton’s 0-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes produced one of the sharpest managerial responses of the season, turning Michael Carrick’s post-match criticism into viral gold.
United, under interim boss Carrick, ground out a gritty victory thanks to Benjamin Sesko’s 71st-minute strike off the bench. Everton dominated large spells, particularly in the second half, but lacked a clinical edge. In his Sky Sports interview immediately after the whistle, Carrick was asked about the Toffees’ defensive resilience. He replied: “They fight hard, no question, but some of their lads get a bit carried away with the hype. Jarrad Branthwaite, for example – good player, but I think he’s been slightly over-rated this season.”
The comment, delivered casually, lit the touchpaper. Branthwaite, the 23-year-old centre-back many regard as Everton’s standout performer and a future England regular, had marshalled the back line superbly against United’s attack.
Moyes, speaking minutes later in his own press conference, was ready. When informed of Carrick’s remark, the Scot paused, smiled, and delivered a reply that has since exploded across social media.
“Look, Michael’s a top lad and I enjoyed working with him,” Moyes began, his Scottish lilt laced with mischief. “But if Jarrad’s over-rated, then I must be under-rated – because that boy just shut out a team that’s been winning games left, right and centre. Michael knows what it’s like to be labelled things early in your career. He was called ‘quiet’ for years before people realised he was world-class. Maybe next time he’ll remember: in this league, it’s not about the rating, it’s about the fight. And my lads fought like lions tonight. We were worth at least a point.”
The clip of Moyes’ response, posted by Everton’s official account and Sky Sports, has amassed over 4.2 million views on X (formerly Twitter) within 12 hours, with fans praising the “pure class” and “ice-cold burn.” Hashtags #Moyes
Masterclass and #BranthwaiteNotOverrated trended nationwide, while former players including Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher retweeted it with laughing emojis.
Carrick later clarified on MUTV that his words were “taken out of context” and praised Branthwaite as “a very good young defender,” but the damage – or delight, depending on your colours – was done.
For Moyes, the moment served dual purpose: defending his player while subtly reminding everyone of his own longevity and pedigree. At 62, the Everton manager has steered the Toffees through turbulent times, and this latest verbal masterstroke has only endeared him further to the Goodison faithful (now relocated to the new Hill Dickinson home).
Social media erupted with memes comparing the exchange to classic managerial spats. One viral post read: “Carrick tried the subtle dig. Moyes hit him with the Scottish samurai sword. Legend.”As the Premier League marches on, one thing is clear: David Moyes still knows exactly how to win the war of words. And right now, the internet agrees – that reply wasn’t just brilliant. It was vintage Moyes.
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