Maitland-Niles snatches stoppage-time equaliser to deny United all three points at Everton

Manchester United were denied a Premier League victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday when Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck from distance in the sixth minute of stoppage time to earn Everton a 2-2 draw. Benjamin Sesko had put United ahead in the 87th minute, only for the hosts to immediately hit back and snatch a point.

Carrick’s side had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo shortly after half-time and looked capable of seeing the game out. Tyrique George pulled Everton level with eight minutes remaining, before Sesko’s late effort appeared to have secured all three points — until Maitland-Niles’s long-range effort beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens to complete a dramatic turnaround.

The result leaves United reflecting on a week of contrasting fortunes. An opening-day 2-0 defeat to Hull City had raised early concerns, before a five-goal dismantling of Ipswich Town restored some confidence. Sunday’s late collapse will sting, particularly with a European fixture on Thursday approaching.

Former United defender Gary Neville singled out Patrick Dorgu, who came on for Marcus Rashford in the 70th minute, for criticism over his role in the conceded equaliser, describing the contribution as a mistake.

Rashford, who started his second successive league match, took to Instagram after the final whistle to address his 22.3 million followers. “So unlucky not to come away with all the points today! The results will come. Big week coming up starting with Thursday’s game,” the 28-year-old wrote.

Among those responding were two former team-mates from his loan spell at Barcelona — Roony Bardghji and Fermin Lopez. Bardghji wrote “Man like Rashy” while Fermin posted a clapping hands and love-heart eyes emoji, a sign of the warmth that remains from his time at Camp Nou. Rashford has nonetheless remained at Old Trafford to rebuild his career under Carrick, with reported interest in a permanent return to Barcelona not materialising.