Manchester United were denied a second Premier League win in a row after Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in the sixth minute of added time to earn Everton a 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Benjamin Sesko looked to have settled the game when he put United 2-1 ahead in the 88th minute. It would have been the second straight season he had scored a late winner away to Everton. Instead, Maitland-Niles spoiled the occasion on his debut, smashing an equaliser into the top corner.
Michael Carrick named the same XI that started the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, with United looking to carry that momentum into another away fixture.
First Half of rare chances
The first half was competitive without producing a goal, although United came close early on. Luke Shaw sent a cross towards the back post and Bryan Mbeumo headed it into the path of Bruno Fernandes. The captain, fresh from his hat-trick against Ipswich, got a volley away but could only send it against the crossbar.
Everton also showed plenty of attacking intent in front of their home support and had an early penalty appeal, but United gradually found more room between the midfield and defence.
That led to chances from distance. Youri Tielemans tested Jordan Pickford, while Matheus Cunha, Fernandes and Diogo Dalot all saw efforts blocked as United started to build pressure.
Mbeumo gives United the perfect start
It took less than a minute of the second half for United to find the breakthrough.
Kobbie Mainoo picked out Mbeumo on the right touchline. Fernandes’ movement created space for the Cameroon international to cut inside, and he worked his way past several Everton players before curling a left-footed finish into the far bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Mbeumo had already opened his account against Ipswich and now had two goals in his first three Premier League games for United.
Everton responded as the match opened up.
The hosts worked the ball to the right and Tyrique George took a touch before firing a powerful effort inside the near post. There was little Senne Lammens could do to keep it out, and the game was level with seven minutes remaining.
Late Drama at Hill Dickinson Stadium
United appeared to have found the answer late on.
Sesko scored in the 88th minute, once again producing at Everton when United needed him. The striker’s finish looked to have given Carrick’s side the three points after a late push.
United managed to get through the remainder of normal time and the first five minutes of stoppage time without conceding again. But Everton had one final attack.
Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from getting a shot away from a dangerous position inside the area. The loose ball rolled out towards Maitland-Niles, who had space around 25 yards from goal.
The Everton debutant did not hesitate. He struck the ball first time and found the top corner, leaving United with no time to respond.
The result means United were forced to settle for a point after twice holding the lead. Carrick’s side had looked on course for another strong away result, but Everton’s late pressure ultimately rescued them.
For Mbeumo, it was another positive attacking display. For Sesko, there was another goal at this ground. But Maitland-Niles’ late intervention ensured those moments were overshadowed as United left Merseyside with a draw rather than another victory.
