Manchester United were denied a first away win of the Premier League season as Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck deep into stoppage time to earn Everton a 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
United had twice taken the lead, first through Bryan Mbeumo and then Benjamin Sesko, but Everton responded on each occasion. Tyrique George levelled in the 83rd minute before Maitland-Niles produced a stunning finish on his Everton debut, timed at 95 minutes and 11 seconds.
The late equaliser came after United appeared to have done enough to secure victory. Sesko headed them back in front in the 88th minute, only for Maitland-Niles to meet the loose ball outside the area and send a powerful, curling effort beyond Senne Lammens.
It was the latest goal scored at Hill Dickinson Stadium and ensured David Moyes’ side avoided defeat despite spending long periods under pressure. Maitland-Niles also became the first player to score on his Everton debut since Richarlison in August 2018.
Manchester United twice surrender the advantage
United made the breakthrough just 61 seconds after half-time. Mbeumo collected possession, drove forward and finished a fine individual move to put the visitors ahead.
Everton’s reply arrived seven minutes from time. George cut in from the right before unleashing a fierce strike that beat Lammens at his near post, giving the goalkeeper little chance.
Sesko restored United’s lead with a header two minutes from the end of normal time, seemingly completing a decisive second-half turnaround for Ruben Amorim’s side. Instead, Everton pressed for one final opportunity and were rewarded in spectacular fashion.
Thierno Barry led the line for Everton but could not convert despite recording the highest expected-goals figure of any player in the match. His lack of an effort on target ultimately mattered little as George and Maitland-Niles supplied the finishing touch.
Everton’s attacking options have been limited following a difficult transfer window, but their summer recruits again demonstrated their value. George scored his first goal for the club, while Maitland-Niles capped his debut with a memorable contribution.
Jack Grealish’s introduction after the interval also helped inject greater urgency into the home side, who had struggled to turn possession into clear openings during the first half.
The result continued a worrying defensive trend for United. They have now conceded at least twice in each of their opening three league matches, a sequence matched only once by the club in the past 50 years, during the 2020-21 season.
