New Signing Rescues Everton Against United in Stoppage Time

Ainsley Maitland-Niles had been an Everton player for only five days, but that was long enough to make a decisive mark on his new club.

The midfielder became Everton’s hero on Sunday afternoon when he rescued a 2-2 home draw against Manchester United with a long-range strike five minutes into stoppage time. Under intense Everton pressure, United cleared the ball from the penalty area. Maitland-Niles met it outside the box and smashed it into the top corner.

The equalizer denied United a hard-earned victory in an even match. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring shortly after halftime, cutting in from the right and placing a low shot into the far corner. For a long time, United appeared capable of securing one of those unattractive 1-0 wins built on experience and effort.

Everton finally broke through with eight minutes remaining. Tyrique George collected the ball on the right side of the area, took a touch and fired into the top corner, sending the home crowd into celebration. United looked set to recover all three points when substitute Benjamin Sesko headed Luke Shaw’s precise cross into the net two minutes before the end.

Maitland-Niles had the final word. His late equalizer kept Everton unbeaten this season, with five points from three games. Manchester United, who brought on Patrick Dorgu with 20 minutes remaining, have four points.