EVERTON 2-2 MAN UTD: Maitland-Niles Stunner Denies United Late On After Sesko Seemed To Seal Victory

Manchester United looked to have done enough to leave Hill Dickinson Stadium with three huge points — until Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a stunning moment on his Everton debut to snatch a dramatic late draw.

United had taken control after the break when Bryan Mbeumo powered through Everton’s defence before drilling a superb finish into the bottom corner. David Moyes’ side responded through Tyrique George, but Benjamin Sesko appeared to have delivered the decisive blow when he headed United back in front late on.

There was still one final twist.

Maitland-Niles climbed off the bench and, deep into stoppage time, unleashed an outstanding strike that flew into the net and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Here are the major talking points from a dramatic afternoon on Merseyside.

Chances wasted

Manchester United had opportunities to take control before the goals arrived.

Bruno Fernandes, fresh from his hat-trick against Ipswich last weekend, came closest for the visitors in the opening period when his powerful volley crashed against the crossbar.

Matheus Cunha was also presented with a promising opening but could only fire over the bar.

Everton had their own chance to break the deadlock when Thierno Barry met a teasing cross, only to send his header over.

The finishing was frustrating at both ends — but the second half was about to change everything.

Mbeumo puts United in front

United did not have to wait long after the restart to finally find the breakthrough.

Mbeumo collected the ball on the right before cutting inside, powering beyond several challenges and unleashing a fierce low drive into the bottom corner.

It was a superb individual effort and his second goal of the season.

It also marked Mbeumo’s first career goal against Everton, giving United the advantage they had been searching for.

George answers Moyes’ call

Everton needed a response, and Tyrique George provided one in spectacular fashion.

The former Chelsea youngster received the ball on the right before unleashing a thunderous effort that flew into the roof of the net.

Senne Lammens was beaten at his near post and may feel he could have done more, but George’s finish deserved plenty of credit.

Moyes has backed the forward as a potential emergency striker, and a finish of this quality will only strengthen that belief.

Sesko finally finds his moment

Benjamin Sesko arrived at Manchester United with expectations of making a major impact, but his start to the campaign had not gone entirely to plan.

Before the trip to Everton, the striker was still waiting for his first goal of the season.

That wait finally ended when Sesko found himself in the right place at the right time to head United back in front.

For a player looking to establish himself at Old Trafford, it could have been the perfect moment to kick-start his campaign.

Instead, the goal was cruelly denied its status as the winner.

Maitland-Niles steals the show

If Everton fans were unsure about Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ arrival on deadline day, his debut has certainly given them something to remember.

The former Arsenal player came off the bench and, with Everton seemingly heading for defeat, produced the defining moment of the match.

Deep into stoppage time, Maitland-Niles struck a sensational effort that flew beyond the goalkeeper and into the net, rescuing a point for Moyes’ side.

A signing made primarily to address Everton’s need at right-back suddenly became the unlikely hero of the afternoon.

And after a game that appeared to be slipping away from Everton, Maitland-Niles’ extraordinary late strike could provide a much-needed lift around Hill Dickinson Stadium.