Everton 2-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings as Late Drama Denies Carrick
Everton emerged from a bruising week with something tangible to celebrate as Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his debut with a stoppage-time equaliser in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
For David Moyes, it was a point that carried considerably more emotional weight than most September draws. Everton had endured a frustrating deadline day, their squad remained short of the depth Moyes wanted, and the manager had already admitted he had “to live with disappointments”.
His call for Everton’s players to “muck in” felt particularly relevant here. They did exactly that.
George Gives Everton Belief
Manchester United produced moments of quality without ever establishing the control Michael Carrick would have wanted. Bryan Mbeumo provided one of them, finishing superbly to put United ahead and underline why he remains such a dangerous attacking presence.
Everton responded through Tyrique George.
His thunderous strike changed the complexion of the contest and provided another reminder of the youngster’s ability. George was energetic, direct and willing to take responsibility, earning an 8 in our Player Ratings.
James Garner was equally influential. His work in midfield gave Everton a platform from which to compete, particularly against a United midfield featuring an excellent Kobbie Mainoo.
Sesko Strikes Late for Manchester United
With the game heading towards its conclusion, Benjamin Sesko appeared to have delivered the decisive moment.
The Manchester United substitute rose to head home in the 88th minute, seemingly giving Carrick’s side a precious late victory. It also threatened to provide Sesko with another memorable contribution at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton still had one final surge left.
Maitland-Niles Produces Dream Debut
Deadline-day arrival Maitland-Niles was introduced from the bench and produced the sort of debut moment that immediately writes a player into a club’s recent folklore.
With Everton staring at defeat, Maitland-Niles rifled an outstanding long-range effort beyond United to make it 2-2 in stoppage time. Hill Dickinson Stadium erupted.
Given the frustration surrounding Everton’s transfer business, there was something fitting about one of their deadline-day acquisitions rescuing the afternoon.
Moyes will still know the underlying problems have not disappeared. Everton’s squad depth remains a concern and several attacking players struggled to impose themselves, with Brennan Johnson and Thierno Barry both receiving ratings of 5.
Carrick will have his own frustrations. United were within touching distance of three points after Sesko’s late intervention, only to surrender the advantage. Mainoo and Mbeumo were their outstanding performers, while Luke Shaw also produced an encouraging display.
For Everton, the week ends with a point, a spectacular debut goal and a little more optimism than seemed likely in the 88th minute.
Everton and Manchester United Player Ratings
Everton
- Jordan Pickford, 5
- Merlin Rohl, 7
- James Tarkowski, 6
- Jarrad Branthwaite, 7
- Vitalli Mykolenko, 6
- Harrison Armstrong, 6
- James Garner, 8
- Tyrique George, 8
- Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, 7
- Brennan Johnson, 5
- Thierno Barry, 5
Manchester United
- Senne Lammens, 5
- Diogo Dalot, 5
- Harry Maguire, 5
- Lisandro Martinez, 6
- Luke Shaw, 7
- Kobbie Mainoo, 8
- Youri Tielemans, 7
- Bruno Fernandes, 6
- Bryan Mbeumo, 8
- Marcus Rashford, 6
- Matheus Cunha, 5
