Man United earn comeback draw at Everton after VAR reprieve

Late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte helped Manchester United come from behind to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton in the Premier League on Saturday after the hosts were denied a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review. It was a game filled with controversy, excitement, and moments of brilliance, with both sides having reasons to feel aggrieved at the final whistle. The draw, while dramatic, did little to improve United's dismal season, as their struggles in defense continued to be a glaring issue, while Everton’s missed opportunities cost them what would have been a significant victory at Goodison Park.

United’s woeful campaign looked set to get worse as more poor defending allowed rejuvenated striker Beto to fire Everton in front early on. The Portuguese forward, who has been in inspired form in recent weeks, capitalized on United’s sloppiness at the back, punishing their defensive lapses with a powerful finish past Andre Onana. The visitors looked disorganized and passive, with a lack of intensity that invited Everton to press forward aggressively. The home side doubled their lead before half-time when Abdoulaye Doucouré seized on another United mistake, leaving Onana helpless once again. Goodison Park erupted as the home fans sensed a crucial three points in their battle to climb the table.

The visitors did improve after the break, but their lack of cohesion and sharpness in front of goal meant they struggled to create clear-cut chances. United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, finally gave his side a glimmer of hope, pulling a goal back from a free kick in the second half. The Portuguese playmaker, often a beacon of creativity and leadership in an otherwise underperforming squad, stepped up when his team needed him most. His set-piece precision brought United back into the game, shifting the momentum in their favor. With confidence restored, United pushed for an equalizer, and it came when Ugarte fired home a superb strike 10 minutes from time to complete the comeback.

Everton, who had controlled much of the first half with their aggressive pressing and direct play, suddenly found themselves on the back foot as United mounted relentless attacks. The hosts thought they had snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young in the area. However, after a tense VAR review, referee Andrew Madley consulted the pitchside monitor and overturned the decision, much to the frustration of Everton’s players and supporters. The Premier League later confirmed that VAR had checked the call and deemed that no foul had been committed, leading to the controversial decision.

"I think it was a soft touch from what I saw," United manager Ruben Amorim said. "I think it was a soft penalty, it was clear. We did not exist in the first half. We need to win three points and we need to win the whole game. The worst part is that we are losing the ball without pressure and we are not doing what we need to do. We were soft." Amorim’s words reflected United’s ongoing struggles, with inconsistency and defensive frailties continuing to plague their season. While the fightback was commendable, the first-half display left a lot to be desired, and the manager will know his side cannot afford similar performances if they hope to climb the table.

All eyes were on Everton manager David Moyes ahead of kickoff as he faced his former club. Back at the Merseyside club for the second time, the veteran coach has overseen a mini-revival, helping pull his side clear of the bottom three. Everton’s intensity and structure in the opening half were a testament to Moyes’ influence, as they stifled United’s attacks and exploited their defensive weaknesses with clinical finishing. Moyes, who was tasked with succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2013, endured a difficult tenure at United, and this match was another reminder of the instability that has followed the club since his departure.

Eight defeats for United in their previous 12 league games ensured Everton started the day above their opponents in the table — the latest into a season they were facing United while ahead in the standings since 2013-14. The hosts looked determined to extend that gap, and Beto’s goal in the first half only strengthened their resolve. His fifth goal in four games showcased his growing confidence, and United’s failure to clear the ball on multiple occasions highlighted the fragility of their backline. The defending for Everton’s second goal was no better, as Onana’s weak attempt to keep Beto’s strike out was pounced upon by Doucouré, who made no mistake in slotting the ball home.

Everton took their foot off the gas after the break, however, allowing United to grow into the game. The visitors gradually imposed themselves, with Fernandes making their pressure count with a well-taken free kick. Ugarte’s equalizer, which came after Fernandes’ set-piece delivery had been cleared into his path, was equally precise. The midfielder struck the ball cleanly, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance as it rifled into the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the United players, but despite their fightback, concerns remained over their performance, particularly in the first half.

As stoppage time approached, drama unfolded when Maguire was penalized for an alleged foul on Young inside the box. Everton fans erupted in anticipation of a match-winning penalty, but their celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened. After a lengthy review, the referee reversed his decision, ruling that Maguire had not made enough contact to warrant a penalty. The decision left the home crowd furious, while United breathed a sigh of relief, narrowly escaping what could have been a disastrous late defeat.

The result left United 15th in the standings, three places below their opponents. For a club with such high expectations, languishing in the lower half of the table is unacceptable, and questions will continue to be asked about the direction of the team under Amorim. While the comeback showcased resilience, the underlying issues within the squad remain evident. Everton, meanwhile, will feel hard done by, having led for much of the match and having what they believed to be a legitimate penalty taken away from them.

In the aftermath of the game, pundits and fans debated the key moments, particularly the controversial penalty decision. Some argued that Maguire’s challenge was indeed a foul and that Everton were denied a clear opportunity to win the game. Others believed VAR made the correct call, citing minimal contact and the need to avoid soft penalties. Regardless of opinion, the incident added another layer of drama to what had already been a thrilling contest.

As both teams look ahead, United will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to salvage their season. Everton, on the other hand, can take heart from their strong first-half performance and their ability to compete with one of England’s biggest clubs. With the Premier League season entering a crucial phase, both teams will need to build on this result in their respective battles — United to climb back up the table and Everton to solidify their position away from the relegation zone.

Ultimately, this was a game that had it all: early dominance, a stunning comeback, a controversial refereeing decision, and late drama. United may have salvaged a point, but their long-term concerns remain glaringly obvious. Everton, despite their disappointment, showed they are a team capable of competing with the best. The draw may not have been the ideal outcome for either side, but it perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable nature of the Premier League.