Manchester United came from a 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Goodison Park, but the post match talking match was the stoppage time penalty reversal.
Everton dominated early on and took advantage of some defensive shambles to lead 2-0 but late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte rescued a point.
Everton exploited United’s back four from the get go.
Beto scored in the 19th minute when he pounced on some chaotic defending from a corner. VAR confirmed the goal after he avoided being offside.
The host doubled their lead 13 minutes later.
Beto outmuscled Harry Maguire and teed up Jack Harrison whose powerful shot forced a save from André Onana. Abdoulaye Doucouré was quickest to react and headed in the rebound to make it 2-0.
Statistically United’s first half was dreadful. The Red Devils had two shots and an expected goals (xG) of 0.04, their lowest in a Premier League opening half this season.
Ruben Amorim’s side came out with more intent in the second half, but couldn’t test Jordan Pickford until the 72nd minute. Fernandes gave them hope with a sublime free kick in the far corner – their first shot on target.
The equaliser came six minutes later. Ugarte volleyed first time past Pickford after a loose clearance to complete the turnaround. It was United’s first multi goal comeback in the league since April 2023 Premier League.
Everton thought they’d won it in stoppage time when referee Andy Madley gave a penalty for a foul on Ashley Young. But after consulting the pitchside monitor he reversed the decision and deemed Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt hadn’t made enough contact to warrant a penalty.
The decision sparked outrage from Everton players and staff.
While Young’s dramatic fall may have swayed the decision, pundits wondered if VAR had overstepped.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said: “When there’s doubt, officials should stick with the on-field decision,” (BBC Sport).
Despite the comeback United’s defensive problems are still glaring. Their 3-4-2-1 shape left gaps for Beto to exploit and Maguire’s slow reaction to Everton’s second goal was typical of the problems.
United have now conceded 12 goals from set pieces this season, the third worst in the league.
Up front Rasmus Højlund’s invisible performance – 12 touches and 8 lost duels – highlighted the striker problem. Since arriving from Atalanta he’s scored 4 league goals and we have to wonder if he’s a lone striker.
The result leaves Everton 5 points above the relegation zone and United 15th.