Under Ruben Amorim’s management, Manchester United fought back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against David Moyes’ Everton at Goodison Park.
The match featured drama, controversy, and late heroics, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Manuel Ugarte’s stunning strike and a VAR-overturned penalty in stoppage time helped United avoid their 13th Premier League defeat this season.
These moments showcased the team’s resilience and determination under pressure.
United’s struggles have been evident this season, with Amorim securing only four top-flight victories since his November arrival.
The team’s inconsistency has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Everton capitalized on United’s defensive weaknesses in the first half, taking a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Red Devils appeared headed for another disappointing result before their spirited comeback in the second half.
Early Dominance by Everton
The Toffees, buoyed by their home crowd, started the match with intensity, pressing United high up the pitch and forcing errors. Their efforts paid off in the 19th minute when Beto capitalized on United’s inability to clear their lines. After a chaotic sequence of headers in the box, Abdoulaye Doucoure nodded the ball into Beto’s path, and the forward struck a bouncing effort past Andre Onana to give Everton the lead. A lengthy VAR review confirmed there was no offside in the buildup, much to the delight of the Goodison faithful.
Everton doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute following another defensive lapse by United. Jesper Lindstrom’s incisive pass sent Beto surging past Harry Maguire. The striker squared the ball to Jack Harrison, whose initial shot was parried into the air by Onana. Neither Onana nor Maguire reacted quickly enough, allowing Doucoure to head into an unguarded net.
The home crowd, sensing a rare victory over their struggling opponents, taunted United with chants of “Going down, going down, going down,” as Amorim’s side appeared bereft of ideas and confidence.
United’s Second-Half Revival
Despite their dismal first-half display, Amorim opted not to make any substitutions at halftime. Everton continued to dominate early in the second half, with Doucoure nearly adding a third goal for the hosts. However, a moment of fortune for United shifted the momentum in their favor.
In the 72nd minute, Doucoure was penalized for blocking a Bruno Fernandes free-kick with his arm, moving the set piece to just outside the box. Fernandes stepped up and delivered a precise strike that curled beyond a static Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner. The goal injected life into United, with Fernandes urging his teammates and the traveling supporters to rally.
Eight minutes later, United found their equalizer. Another Fernandes free-kick was cleared only as far as Ugarte, who controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a left-footed volley from just inside the box. The strike flew past Pickford and into the net, silencing the home crowd and completing United’s comeback.
Late Drama and VAR Controversy
As both sides pushed for a winner, the match took another dramatic turn in stoppage time. Everton came close to snatching victory when Idrissa Gueye’s low drive was saved by Onana. Moments later, Ashley Young went down in the box under pressure from Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, prompting referee Andy Madley to award a penalty.
However, VAR intervened, with official Matthew Donohue advising Madley to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After consulting the replay, Madley overturned his decision, ruling that there was insufficient contact to justify a penalty. The decision infuriated Everton players and fans alike, but it ensured that United escaped with a point.
Post-Match Reactions
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand did not hold back in his criticism of his old club’s performance, labeling their first-half display as “embarrassing” and “unforgivable” on TNT Sports. Despite salvaging a draw, questions remain about United’s lack of structure and confidence under Amorim’s management.
For Everton, it was a missed opportunity to secure three points against a vulnerable opponent. However, Moyes will take solace in his team’s spirited performance as they continue their fight to climb up the Premier League table.
The result leaves both sides with plenty to ponder as they look ahead to their next fixtures. For Manchester United, improvements are urgently needed if they are to salvage their season and avoid further embarrassment in what has been a tumultuous campaign.
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