Maitland-Niles screamer earns Everton 2-2 draw with Manchester United

Ainsley Maitland-Niles turned Everton’s night into a celebration with virtually the last kick of the game. On his debut, the substitute met the ball first time from 30 yards and fired in a spectacular equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Manchester United had appeared to take all three points when Benjamin Sesko headed in Luke Shaw’s cross in the 87th minute. The visitors had already led once through Bryan Mbeumo, whose superb solo effort early in the second half gave United control of the match.

Everton refused to let the game go. Tyrique George levelled in the 82nd minute with a fierce shot that beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens at the near post. Jack Grealish, introduced in the 66th minute at the start of his second loan spell on Merseyside, helped improve Everton’s attacking cohesion.

United had opportunities to extend their lead. Bruno Fernandes struck the bar in the first half, while Matheus Cunha fired over from a good position. Everton created the better overall attacking chances, however, and Thierno Barry missed their best first-half opportunity when he headed Merlin Rohl’s cross over the bar.

The result left Manchester United with four points from their opening three matches and in 11th place. Everton moved to five points and eighth. United will regret failing to close out a match in which they led twice, while Everton showed the fighting spirit needed to compete with a thin squad after a heavily criticised transfer window.