Manchester United hold Everton 2-2 in dramatic Premier League clash
What's the story
Everton and Manchester United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
The match was marred by a controversial decision to overturn an injury-time penalty for Everton after a VAR check.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was instrumental in the team's comeback with his free-kick goal and another set-piece that led to Manuel Ugarte's late equalizer.
Penalty reversal
Controversial decision sparks debate
The penalty was first given when Ashley Young went down after an apparent shirt pull from Matthijs de Ligt and contact from Harry Maguire.
However, VAR official Matt Donohue advised referee Andy Madley to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
The focus of this review appeared to be on Maguire's contact rather than De Ligt's alleged shirt pull, prompting Madley to reverse his decision.
Match highlights
Everton's impressive performance overshadowed by penalty drama
Despite the penalty controversy, Everton put on a strong performance.
Beto, who has been revitalized under former United boss David Moyes, continued his remarkable scoring run with his fifth goal in four Premier League games.
This came after United's repeated failure to clear a corner.
The team's second goal was scored by Abdoulaye Doucoure, another player invigorated by Moyes's return to Goodison Park.
Team performance
Manchester United's struggles continue
Manchester United's struggles were apparent as they couldn't register a shot on target in the first half.
The team has only scored once in the first half of their last 17 matches.
Their woes continued in the second half with Andre Onana making a crucial save from Doucoure and United looking short on ideas.
However, Fernandes's free-kick goal after Doucoure's handball turned the game's tide.
Details
Match stats and points table
Both side had nine attempts with hosts Everton clocking 8 shots on target compared to three from United.
Everton had 23 touches in the Opposition box to United's 20.
United had 62% ball possession and an 85% pass accuracy.
In terms of the points table, the Toffees are currently 12th with 31 points from 26 matches. However, they could go down to 14th if both Tottenham and Crystal Palace avoid defeats.
United remain 15th with 30 points collected.
Information
Fernandes delivers the goods for Man United
Making his 184th Premier League appearance, Fernandes netted his 60th goal. He also owns 47 assists. This was his 6th goal of the ongoing Premier League season (A6). Overall, Ferandes owns 89 goals for United in 271 matches, including 10 this season.
Opta stats
Crucial records made by Man United
Man United are unbeaten in their last 6 Premier League matches against Everton (W5 D1).
For the first time since December 2023, the Red Devils have avoided defeat in a Premier League game after trailing by 2+ goals. The last time this happened, they beat Aston Villa 3-2.
This is the first time they have done so away from home since November 2020 against Southampton (3-2).