After another torrid first half display two set piece goals helped Manchester United salvage a 2-2 draw away at Everton.
In what has been a turgid season for United it looked like it would be more of the same at Goodison Park as Everton came out of the blocks firing, harrying the United defence and not giving them the time and space to play out the back. One the ball Everton had more about them as well with Beto getting the better of Harry Maguire all day and the Portuguese got a deserved goal after United failed to clear the ball out from a corner.
It's now the Portuguese forward's fifth goal in four matches, completely flipping his form around since the arrival of David Moyes to Goodison.
He was involved again in Everton's second as he had the ball in the box at the end of a counter. His shot was saved by André Onana but he and Maguire were beaten to the rebound by an on-charging Abdoulaye Doucouré who nodded it home to double the Toffees lead heading into halftime.
Manchester United have obviously been in terrible form for some time, especially going forward with the front three of Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hoijlund and Joshua Zirkzee leaving a lot to be desired in the final third. However, the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho gave United some much needed energy but it was the set piece that would be United's saviour.
With just over 70 minutes gone United got one back through a free kick from captain Bruno Fernandes as his free kick wrong footed Jordan Pickford. From that moment on momentum completely shifted in United's favour and soon after the scores were level. Manuel Ugarte got hold of the ball on the edge of the box after Everton failed to properly clear a set piece. The Uruguayan showed great composure and he slotted the ball past Pickford to give United a much important point.
Ferdinand "Surprised" By Late VAR Call After Dramatic United Comeback at Everton
However the point was nearly put on the line for Manchester United as with one of the final kicks of the hame Everton were awarded a penalty. After a Idrissa Gana Gueye shot was parried by Onana, Ashley Young went to the ground after being held by Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot but after an over 3-minute review and monitor check Madley decided to overturn his on-field call and moments later he blew for full-time.
It was a big call to make and one that Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand felt that the Red Devils were fortunate to get away with.
I was thinking the worst when I saw VAR getting involved and the referee went over to the monitor. I was surprised it wasn't given to be honest, Man United don't get out quick enough. Onana, I think can do better there and there's contact there, his arm is around Ashley Young's waist there from Harry Maguire and when you put hands on people in the box you're giving a chance for the referee to give a decision.
Everton great Duncan Ferguson gave his say on it, agreeing with Ferdinand that there was enough for Madley to give the penalty.
Yeah I think there is contact, he makes the most of it but I think there's enough contact there to give a penalty. I was surprised it went to VAR and monitor, very surprised. I never saw a clear and obvious error.
As more angles of the incident unfolded some eagle eyed fans noticed that Andy Madley may not have been shown the best angles of the challenge on Young.
2 shirt pulls? @premierleague #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/klqGh8p4BJ
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) February 22, 2025
Why would VAR not show the ref the best angle of the shirt pull pen at decision??? 🤔#EVEMUN
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) February 22, 2025
Meanwhile Ashley Young opted to cite the famous words of Jose Mourinho with his post-match tweet.
A point’s a point, onwards and upwards!
Decisions, Angles 👀🤷🏾♂️ “I prefer not to speak, if I speak I am in big trouble“ UTFT 💙 pic.twitter.com/c71fYcE9bx— Ashley Young (@youngy18) February 22, 2025
United are still languishing in the Premier League table, sitting lowly in 15th. However they do sit 13 points clear of Ipswich in the final relegation spot. It's been a miserable season for the Red Devils and it looks like they need to summer to come around sooner rather than later.
