2-2: United still cannot get going

Ainsley Maitland-Niles denied Manchester United a win with a spectacular sixth-minute stoppage-time goal on Sunday, rescuing a 2-2 draw for Everton and leaving United with only four points after three Premier League rounds.

United took the lead twice. Brian Mbeumo scored shortly after halftime, and Benjamin Sesko restored the advantage in the 88th minute with a free header from Luke Shaw’s cross. Sesko’s goal was his first of the season and appeared to have secured victory.

Everton refused to let the match slip away. Tyrique George equalized in the 83rd minute with a powerful shot at the near post, although goalkeeper Senna Lammens appeared capable of doing more. Five minutes later, Sesko put United back in front.

Even after the five added minutes had elapsed, Everton received one final opportunity. Jordan Pickford launched the move, debutant Jack Grealish carried the ball forward, and a series of unsuccessful United clearances left it for Maitland-Niles. The substitute, who had entered 15 minutes earlier, guided the ball into Lammens’ top corner with the inside of his foot. The goalkeeper could not reach it.

The draw lifted David Moyes’ Everton to five points. United, managed by Michael Carrick, remained on four. The result followed a defeat by Hull City in the opening round and a win over Ipswich Town, prompting the assessment that Carrick’s team still has much to improve.