Manchester United miss victory over Everton by the last second
Manchester United lost two points to Everton in the very last second, after the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The Red Devils seemed to have secured victory with a header from Benjamin Sesko in the 88th minute, but a miraculous strike from Ainsley Maitland-Niles equalised.
From the start, Michael Carrick's side had plenty of possession, but United were not dangerous. After twenty minutes Marcus Rashford ran down the flank, delivered a low cross from the byline, but Matheus Cunha could not get the ball on target. The 0-1 remained in the air.
Last second decides outcome
Deep in injury time, exactly in the very last second, Ainsley Maitland-Niles collected the ball that fell from an Everton attack and struck it into the left top corner. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens could do nothing, allowing the Toffees to score a dramatic equaliser.
Before that turn, Benjamin Sesko seemed set to become the match-winner. Luke Shaw provided a measured cross, which Sesko headed towards the far corner and Pickford could only put a hand to the ball. It was not enough to hold on to the 2-0 lead.
In the 83rd minute Everton finally came back. A swift attack ended with Hayden Hackney, who sent the ball to Tyrique George; George struck the ball into the short corner and brought the score to 1-1.
Manchester United started the second half strongly. Bryan Mbeumo dribbled past defenders, shot and forced Jordan Pickford into a save, allowing United to open 0-1. Later Marcus Rashford tried to deliver a low cross from the flank, but Matheus Cunha missed the target.
With former Ajax player Lisandro Martínez in the starting XI, Michael Carrick's side began. On the bench were, among others, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee, while Matthijs de Ligt was still not in the match squad. The Red Devils dominated possession, but could create little danger.
Earlier United had shown they can be dangerous with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, while the season's opening match was lost 2-0 to Hull City. This erratic form explains the frustration after the missed point against the Toffees.
Festive atmosphere in Hill Dickinson Stadium
After the equaliser the atmosphere exploded in the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Supporters of both clubs celebrated the dramatic climax, while Manchester United players shook their heads in disappointment.