Ainsley Maitland-Niles rescues Everton in late drama against Manchester United
Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his return to English football with a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser as Everton twice fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United, reports BritPanorama.
The former Arsenal midfielder, signed from Lyon on transfer deadline day, curled an unstoppable effort beyond Senne Lammens to send the Hill Dickinson Stadium into raptures. United appeared destined to claim their first away victory of the Premier League season after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
However, Maitland-Niles struck in the 96th minute to preserve Everton’s unbeaten start and complete a chaotic second half on Merseyside. United arrived buoyed by their emphatic 5-0 victory over Ipswich Town and immediately began applying pressure to the hosts.
Bruno Fernandes almost opened the scoring inside eight minutes after Mbeumo headed the ball into his path, but the United captain’s effort crashed against the crossbar. This marked the 24th occasion United had struck the woodwork since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League club. Marcus Rashford was particularly dangerous during the opening stages, repeatedly testing an Everton defence that struggled to contain the visitors’ movement.
Everton initially lacked creativity following Iliman Ndiaye’s transfer to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £65 million. Their first significant opportunities came just before half-time when Thierno Barry headed over from an excellent Merlin Rohl cross, and Jarrad Branthwaite forced Lammens into a crucial save.
United required less than a minute of the second half to make the breakthrough. Kobbie Mainoo supplied Mbeumo, who shifted the ball into space before curling a magnificent finish beyond Jordan Pickford, marking Mbeumo’s second goal of the campaign.
Brennan Johnson nearly produced an immediate response for Everton, but the hosts needed tactical changes from David Moyes to alter the momentum. Jack Grealish and Hayden Hackney were introduced midway through the second half, leading Everton in search of an equaliser. Hackney promptly made an impact by setting up Tyrique George, who drove a powerful effort past Lammens at his near post.
Celebrations for Everton were short-lived, as Carrick turned to Sesko from the bench, and the striker appeared to have settled the contest with a powerful header off Luke Shaw’s cross. It was Sesko’s second goal in as many visits to Everton, leaving United within touching distance of all three points.
Maitland-Niles, however, ensured there would be one final twist. The 29-year-old collected the ball outside the penalty area during stoppage time and produced a stunning curling strike that left Lammens rooted to the spot. This marked his first Premier League goal since December 2019 and delivered an unforgettable start to his latest chapter in England.
After the match, United were left devastated for surrendering the lead twice, while Everton celebrated a point that had initially seemed unlikely. Carrick’s side produced enough attacking quality to win but were ultimately punished for failing to protect their advantage.
In a season where consistency can shift dramatically, this match highlighted the thin margins that separate triumph from disappointment—reminding fans that in football, hope often springs eternal, even in the most chaotic of circumstances.
