The game was overshadowed by a contentious VAR decision in stoppage time, which denied Everton a potential match-winning penalty.
Everton began the match assertively, with Beto opening the scoring in the 19th minute, marking his fifth goal in four league appearances. Abdoulaye Doucouré extended the lead before halftime, capitalizing on a rebound from a save by United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Manchester United’s defense, particularly center-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, appeared disorganized, struggling to contain Everton’s offensive pressure.
In the second half, Manchester United mounted a comeback. Captain Bruno Fernandes reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute with a well-placed free-kick. Shortly after, Manuel Ugarte equalized with a powerful volley from the edge of the penalty area. The momentum seemed to have shifted in favor of the visitors.
The match’s most controversial moment occurred in stoppage time. Everton’s Ashley Young was brought down in the penalty area following challenges from Maguire and De Ligt. Referee Andy Madley initially awarded a penalty, but after a VAR review and consulting the pitchside monitor, he reversed his decision, ruling no foul had been committed. This incited frustration among Everton supporters and led to heated post-match discussions.
Everton’s head coach, David Moyes, did not hold back his dissatisfaction. In a post-match interview, he remarked, “I could SEE it in Sir Alex Ferguson’s smile from the stands—this match was rigged! How on earth was that NOT a penalty against Young? The referee needs to explain this disgraceful decision! Manchester United never change—always favored, always getting away with it! This is exactly why people call them a cheat club! Football deserves fairness, not this blatant manipulation.”
The Premier League later issued a statement regarding the incident: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”
This draw leaves Manchester United in 15th place, three spots below Everton. The result highlights ongoing concerns about United’s defensive stability and adds to the scrutiny of VAR’s influence on critical match decisions.
