Explore the highlights of the intense match where Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte led United to a crucial 2-2 draw against Everton, showcasing their resilience.
Introduction:
Manuel Ugarte’s maiden goal for Manchester United was decisive as the Red Devils mounted a comeback in the latter stages to gain a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park. In an action-packed game with plenty of twists and turns, Ugarte’s 80th-minute volley not only earned a point but also prevented United from suffering their third successive Premier League loss.
For Everton, it was a story of two halves. Controlling the first and cruising on the back of a two-goal advantage, they ended up letting United back into the game and departed Goodison Park with a sense of frustration even though they extended their run of unbeaten Premier League matches to six. See also: Mbappé Hat-Trick Leads Madrid
Everton’s Electric Start: Beto and Doucoure Deliver Early Blows
Everton started the match with intent and drive, pressing high and disorienting Manchester United’s defense right from the start. The Toffees’ tempo was rewarded in the 19th minute when Beto scored the opener. After trying his luck against Andre Onana with a weak header initially, Beto profited from a lapse in defense. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s quick knockdown released the Portuguese striker, who drove a bouncing volley over the United goalkeeper, sending the Goodison Park faithful into ecstasy. See also: Salah Stars Again
The pace was well and truly with Everton, and it wasn’t long before they doubled their advantage. In the 33rd minute, Jack Harrison’s low drive was saved by Onana, but the United keeper could only palm the ball into the air. Doucoure was quickest to react, heading the loose ball into the net to give Everton a 2-0 lead.
By then, Everton seemed to be in complete command. Beto, in particular, was still troubling United’s defense, while Harrison’s penetrating runs were putting the visitors under pressure. The Toffees should have increased their lead even more, with Beto coming close once again, but for Onana’s excellent save from his powerful volley.
United’s Resilient Comeback: Bruno Fernandes Leads the Charge
United toiled for most of the first half, not managing a single shot on goal before the interval. Ruben Amorim’s team was lackluster and uninspired, recalling a disturbing pattern of uninspired first-half performances. See also: Christopher Nkunku shines as Chelsea Smash Southampton
But the second half was a different tale. With increased urgency and attacking ambition, United started to find their footing. The turning point came in the 72nd minute, thanks to a flash of brilliance by captain Bruno Fernandes. When his initial free-kick attempt was intercepted by Doucoure’s arm, Fernandes didn’t make the same mistake again with his second attempt, curling a breathtaking shot through the wall and into the bottom-right corner, leaving Jordan Pickford stationary.
The objective energized United, and the pressure on Everton grew. Eight minutes later, the comeback was achieved. Fernandes produced another threatening free-kick into the box, and although Everton cleared it partially, the ball dropped beautifully to Manuel Ugarte on the periphery of the area. The Uruguayan displayed excellent technique, hitting a half-volley past Pickford to level the score at 2-2 — his first Manchester United goal.
The visitors almost registered the turnaround in the late stages, with Fernandes watching a long-range shot being hoofed over the bar by Pickford in the 89th minute. The drama was far from over.
VAR Drama and Late Frustrations for Everton
As the clock entered stoppage time, Goodison Park exploded when referee Andy Madley gave Everton a penalty after Harry Maguire was deemed to have pulled on Ashley Young in the box. But after a VAR check, the call was reversed, with officials ruling that the contact was not enough for a penalty.
The turnaround infuriated the home supporters and left Everton hard done by. The penalty would have provided them with a golden chance to steal all three points, but they were forced to settle for a draw instead.
Tactical Insights: Moyes’ Resurgence and Amorim’s Ongoing Struggles
David Moyes’ return to the Everton fold has instilled a sense of stability and confidence. The Toffees have been resilient, and their six-game unbeaten streak is proof. Beto has emerged as an important player, scoring in four successive Premier League matches — the first Evertonian to do so since Richarlison in 2021.
But the failure to see out the match against United was a reminder of issues that remained. Even as they dominated swathes of the game, Everton’s defense melted under pressure late on, and missed opportunities were expensive.
For Ruben Amorim and Manchester United, this draw was bittersweet. While avoiding a third straight league defeat is a positive, the sluggish first-half performance exposed ongoing concerns. United have struggled to assert themselves early in games, often relying on individual brilliance — as seen with Bruno Fernandes — to rescue results.
Amorim, though, can hold on to his team’s resilience. The comeback demonstrated character and grit, attributes that they will have to have should they need to push their way up the table and out of the relegation scrap ahead of them.
A Look Forward: What Is Coming Up for Manchester United and Everton?
Everton are now 12th in the table with 31 points, one clear of Manchester United, who are still in 15th. David Moyes’ team will have to recover rapidly as they build up to a difficult away journey to Brentford. The Toffees will also have to keep their cool after the VAR debacle and ensure it does not affect their run of form.
Manchester United, meanwhile, face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town next — a crucial fixture that could help them gain some much-needed consistency. Amorim’s focus will be on improving United’s sluggish starts and tightening up defensively, especially after their first-half struggles at Goodison.