Maitland-Niles' last-gasp equaliser denies Manchester United victory at Goodison

Ainsley Maitland-Niles rescued a point for Everton with a superb last-minute curler at Goodison Park on Sunday, denying Manchester United all three points in a 2-2 Premier League draw that David Moyes described as one of United’s better performances of the season.

United had looked set to claim a hard-fought win after substitute Benjamin Sesko headed home from Luke Shaw’s cross in the 88th minute. But they could not hold on, and with the final chance of the game Maitland-Niles found the top corner to split the spoils.

The first half had ended goalless before Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock after the interval, cutting inside from the right and curling a fine effort into the far corner. United then struggled to create further chances and were punished when Tyrique George was given space on the edge of the box to fire into the roof of the net and level at 1-1.

Everton head coach Moyes was candid about his ambitions despite the late drama. “You don’t plan as a manager to equalise in the last minute,” he said. “But I thought the boys did amazing to keep running. I set out to win — I need to win my home games. I thought we were capable of winning, and the great finish at the end showed that.”

Moyes also offered a measured assessment of the visitors. “I thought Man United played better than they have done in their other games,” he said. “The first goal we concede is shabby. But I thought if anyone was going to go on and win the game after we equalised, it would be us.”

United manager Michael Carrick, speaking at his post-match press conference, pushed back on suggestions that his side had underperformed to start the campaign. “We haven’t started the season that bad, to be honest,” he said.

The result leaves United with one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three league fixtures. They return to action in the Champions League on Thursday, hosting Sabah FK, before the Manchester derby at Old Trafford the following Sunday.