Sesko's 88th-minute strike not enough as Maitland-Niles snatches late draw for Everton

Manchester United were denied a first away win of the Premier League season on Sunday when Ainsley Maitland-Niles equalised in stoppage time to cancel out Benjamin Sesko’s 88th-minute strike and earn Everton a 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Sesko had looked to have settled a tight contest when he converted in the 88th minute to put United 2-1 ahead, only for Maitland-Niles to immediately punish the visitors with a last-gasp leveller that left the travelling support stunned.

“We’re very disappointed of course because we were very close [to winning] and yet so far,” Sesko said after the final whistle. “To concede a goal like that in the last minute, to happen the way it did, it’s painful for everyone because everyone was giving everything to try and win the game. Every single person here wants that. In moments like this where a last shot decides it, it’s very painful.”

The Slovenian striker, who is yet to start a league game this season following a shin injury that kept him out of pre-season, was philosophical about his own contribution. “For me, it’s the best feeling when I’m scoring, especially for a club like that,” he said. “When I can provide the goals and the points for the team — it’s my job at the end of the day. It’s nice to be back with the team to experience all the games again.”

Sesko urged the squad to take positives from the setback. “It’s really important to take everything as positive even when it’s not the best option from today. To see the game in a good light, to try and improve and focus for the next game.”

The result leaves United with four points from their opening three Premier League fixtures, a return that manager Michael Carrick has played down despite expectations of a stronger start to the campaign.

Carrick had spoken cautiously about Sesko’s fitness ahead of the match, noting the striker had missed pre-season to protect a shin problem. “He made big strides last season; he’s still young, still adapting to a point, learning, and developing his game,” Carrick said. “Loads more to come from Ben. It’s just being patient, looking after him and letting him grow into the season.”