Maitland Niles Stunner Denies Manchester United Late Win at Everton

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko twice put Michael Carrick’s side ahead, but Everton responded through Tyrique George and Maitland-Niles to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

United arrived looking to build on their emphatic 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, while Everton were seeking to continue an encouraging opening to the campaign.

The first half produced opportunities at both ends but no breakthrough, with the teams heading into the interval level at 0-0.

United required little time after the restart to change that.

Mbeumo struck shortly after half-time following good work from United’s attacking players. Marcus Rashford was involved prominently from the left during the visitors’ better periods, while Kobbie Mainoo provided the decisive pass for Mbeumo to put Carrick’s team ahead.

The goal appeared to place United in control, but they failed to build decisively on their advantage.

Everton grew increasingly aggressive as the second half progressed, pushing more players forward and forcing United deeper.

David Moyes’ substitutions also helped change the direction of the contest.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles entered in the 77th minute following James Garner’s withdrawal, while Everton continued applying pressure to a United defence attempting to protect its narrow lead.

The hosts finally found their equaliser in the 83rd minute.

Hayden Hackney carried the ball through a central area before releasing George to his right. The winger took a touch and powered his finish beyond Senne Lammens to make it 1-1.

United responded almost immediately and appeared to have delivered the decisive blow five minutes later.

Bruno Fernandes started the move with a neat pass before Luke Shaw supplied a precise cross from the left.

Sesko attacked the delivery with purpose and headed home in the 88th minute, restoring United’s lead at 2-1.

For Carrick’s side, it looked like the substitute’s goal would secure a valuable away victory.

Everton, however, refused to accept defeat.

With the contest deep into stoppage time, the hosts won another opportunity to attack and Maitland-Niles produced the moment of the match.

The ball fell to the substitute outside the penalty area and he unleashed a superb effort into the top corner in the sixth minute of added time, leaving Lammens with little chance and sending the home crowd into celebration.

Maitland-Niles later described the draw as feeling like a victory given the circumstances.

It felt like a win,” he said. “The crowd was with us, we fight to the end and that’s how you get that type of result.”

The statistics reflected Everton’s determination.

United had slightly more possession, but Everton registered 18 goal attempts compared with the visitors’ 14 and created greater pressure as the game moved towards its conclusion.

Carrick was left frustrated after seeing his team surrender the lead twice.

There was a lot of good things in the game for us,” the United manager said. “We played some really good football, were dangerous at times.”

Carrick acknowledged that his side had made the closing stages more difficult for themselves and felt they should have protected their advantage.

We should’ve seen the game out really so we’re disappointed with that,” he added.

Sesko also admitted United had lost some control late in the contest but called on the team to learn from the experience.

We can always improve,” the striker said. “In the end we were slipping away a little bit but it happens. We’re here to learn and try to get better.”

The result leaves another question over United’s ability to close out matches after they twice held a winning position on Merseyside.

It also means Carrick’s side have now conceded twice in each of their opening three Premier League matches. Everton, meanwhile, remain unbeaten.

Everton moved onto five points and eighth place, while Manchester United sit 11th with four points from their opening three league matches.

United now turn their attention to their return to Champions League football before facing the Manchester derby next weekend, with Carrick knowing his side must become more clinical at protecting advantages if they are to build momentum.