Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his return to English football with a stunning stoppage-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind to hold Manchester United to a 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Manchester United appeared on course for victory after twice taking the lead, but Maitland-Niles struck in the sixth minute of added time, firing a long-range effort into the top corner to rescue a point for Everton.
Maitland-Niles produces late magic
Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead early in the second half before Everton responded through Tyrique George.
Substitute Benjamin Sesko restored United’s lead with a header, only for Maitland-Niles to produce a spectacular finish that punished a lacklustre performance from Michael Carrick’s side.
Maitland-Niles produces late magic
The result means United have conceded twice in each of their opening three Premier League games, increasing scrutiny on the club’s decision not to strengthen their defence before the transfer window closed.
‘It feels like a defeat,’ Carrick said. ‘We’re bitterly disappointed to be up in the position we were in the game twice, so close to the end. It’s not a great feeling.’
Everton maintain unbeaten start
Everton remain unbeaten and move one point ahead of United, providing some relief for manager David Moyes and the club’s supporters.
‘It was a brilliant goal, and I thought it was a big moment for the crowd as well. I think it was good for them,’ Moyes said.
However, Everton’s failure to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline could have consequences over the course of the season.
Everton’s transfer-window concerns
The Toffees allowed Iliman Ndiaye to join Manchester City for £65 million and Beto to move to Fiorentina, while their attempt to sign Monaco forward Folarin Balogun collapsed after an issue with the United States international’s medical.
The clubs had attempted to renegotiate the structure of the £40 million deal, but Balogun ultimately turned down the move.
Moyes is now left with Thierno Barry as his only natural striker and just 18 outfield players available to him.
The season-long loan arrival of Jack Grealish has provided some attacking quality, but Everton face a challenging campaign as they look to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle rather than compete for European football.
United had entered the match with renewed confidence after Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick in their 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend, following a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Hull City.
Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock in a poor first half when his volley struck the crossbar.
But United could not hold on to their advantage, with Maitland-Niles’ late intervention ensuring Everton extended their unbeaten start to the season.