Manchester United avoided defeat with a 2-2 draw against Everton. Beto and Doucouré put the hosts ahead, but Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte equalized. A late penalty for Everton was overturned by VAR, leaving United still struggling in the lower half of the Premier League table.
United Salvages a Draw Against Everton
The game at Goodison Park started strongly for the hosts, as Everton took the lead in the 19th minute. A chaotic corner kick sequence saw seven headers inside the box before Abdoulaye Doucouré assisted Beto, who slotted the ball into the net.
Manchester United failed to respond in the first half, and Everton doubled their lead with a well-executed play. Jack Harrison found himself one-on-one with the keeper, forcing Onana into a save, but the rebound went high, allowing Doucouré to head it home for 2-0.
Fernandes and Ugarte Lead United’s Comeback
United finally reacted in the second half, and in the 72nd minute, Bruno Fernandes stepped up for a free kick just outside the box, slightly to the left. The Portuguese midfielder struck the ball perfectly, curling it into the bottom left corner to make it 2-1.
Then, in the 80th minute, another Fernandes set-piece caused trouble for Everton’s defense. His free kick cross was initially cleared, but the ball fell to Manuel Ugarte at the edge of the box. The Uruguayan midfielder controlled it, set himself up, and fired a powerful shot into the right post, leaving Pickford helpless as the ball hit the net for 2-2.
VAR Denies Everton a Last-Minute Penalty
Deep into stoppage time (90+5’), Everton was awarded a penalty after Ashley Young was fouled inside the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, and the match ended level at 2-2.
United Still Struggling in the Standings
With this result, Manchester United remains 15th in the table with 30 points, tied with West Ham but ahead on goal difference. Meanwhile, Everton sits 14th with 31 points from 26 matchs.
Cover photo: X (@ManUdt)
