New Delhi: Manchester United bounced back from two goals down to register a 2-2 draw against Everton in a dramatic encounter at Goodison Park. First-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure had put the Toffees in control but Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte responded in the second half to snatch a point for the visitors. The match also marked controversy as Everton were denied a late penalty following a VAR review, leaving home fans furious with the officiating.
Everton entered the match in fine form having won three of their last five league games. David Moyes’ men wasted little time in asserting their dominance as they took the lead in the 19th minute. Man United’s failure to clear a corner led to a scramble in the box with Beto reacting quickest to hammer the ball into the ground and past Andre Onana. The goal was subject to a lengthy VAR check for offside but the decision ultimately stood, sending Goodison Park into huge cheers.
The hosts continued to press further and their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute when Doucoure doubled their advantage. Beto turned provider, setting up Jack Harrison, whose shot was parried into the air by Onana. The loose ball fell kindly to Doucoure, who then rose above Harry Maguire to nod home from close range. Everton were full value for their lead while United looked disjointed and uninspired as the half-time whistle blew.
A first half to remember for @Everton, and one to forget for @ManUtd…
How impressive have David Moyes’ side been? 👏#EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/6SuqVb8zel
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 22, 2025
United’s stunning comeback
Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to create chances in the first half but they came out after the break with renewed energy as they made a turnaround and shocked the Toffees.
In the 72nd minute, United finally broke through when Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take a free-kick from just outside the penalty area and expertly curled it past Jordan Pickford who was left rooted to the spot.
Eight minutes later, Manuel Ugarte registered his first goal for the United. Fernandes’ set-piece was only half-cleared by Beto and the ball fell perfectly for Ugarte on the edge of the area. With one touch to control he rifled a left-footed shot through a crowded box and into the net sending the away fans into celebration. It was his first goal for the club and it could not have come at a better time.
VAR drama in the dying moments
The drama was far from over. In the 83rd minute, United had a penalty appeal waved away when Maguire went down under a challenge from Jack Harrison. Then, deep into stoppage time, Everton thought they had a golden chance to win it when Matthijs de Ligt was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young in the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot but after reviewing the footage the decision was overturned leading to a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
Man of the match
🧠 Speed of thought
⚡ Quickness of feet
🎯 Precision of finish @B_Fernandes8 x @PaulPogba#MUFC | @RemingtonUK pic.twitter.com/hSVJP0jjWC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2022
Bruno Fernandes delivered a captain’s performance as he stepped up to initiate Man United’s comeback. The Portuguese midfielder was at the heart of everything completing 64 passes and three dribbles in the match. His vision and control ensured United dominated possession as he created two chances and registered an expected assists (xA) value of 0.29.
The highlight of the 30-year-old performance came when he scored through a stunning free-kick, making him the first United player to score directly from a set piece in the Premier League since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022. Beyond his goal, Fernandes’ all-around play reflected his leadership boasting an xG + xA of 0.41. His accuracy and creativity were crucial in breaking down the opposition. He once again showed why he remains United’s midfield maestro.
Manchester United staged a stunning second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Everton in a dramatic Premier League clash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
