Manuel Ugarte saved a point for Manchester United late on(Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Everton and Man Utd full-time reactions paint entire picture after Goodison Park controversy

EVERTON 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Everton failed to kill of Manchester United as Manuel Ugarte's equaliser denied David Moyes a win against the club he once managed

by · The Mirror

A big point in the relegation battle.

OK, that’s being a bit silly. Especially now Everton are well out of trouble. And Manchester United won’t need a great escape to save their sorry season. But they certainly got one here.

Thanks to an inspired final 20 minutes from Bruno Fernandes and a controversial decision by referee Andy Madley to overturn a penalty decision in stoppage time after he was sent to the screen by VAR Matthew Donohue. They were also helped by a Toffees side who had them on the ropes for over an hour but let them off the hook.

David Moyes won’t be regretting the two lost points in May as this was just another one collected to reaffirm he is guiding the Blues to safety easily. Yet despite coming from two down, Ruben Amorim won’t take much comfort from this performance from his struggling Reds.

It was back in 2013 when a silly bookmaker’s stunt saw someone dressed as the Grim Reaper behind Moyes. Back then, he was a beleaguered United manager and Everton were above the Reds in the table. Now they are again.

But he’s back as Everton boss reviving the Blues back where he earned his reputation enough to be handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson. Now it is Amorim in Moyes’ shoes. This is a much worse United and one which seemingly hits a new low every week.

This looked like yet another for so long in this game. There was bright sunshine at Goodison Park after months of gloomy weather in these parts. But it looked like the grey clouds would go another shade darker until the 72nd minute for the visitors.

Who will be happier with their performance at Goodison Park? Have your say in the comments section

James Tarkowski clashed with opponents after the late drama( Image: Getty Images)

Everton were the ones with the spring in their step from the first whistle as we head out of winter. United’s boss can hide behind the fact he’s ripping up the squad and starting over here trying to rebuild a side which has been slowly rotting.

But he would still surely want to see some energy and enthusiasm from a side that is still full of internationals and players on huge wages. Yet this was another chastening afternoon despite the fight back.

The opener came in the 19th minute and typified the lack of effort from United as they struggled to clear the ball on numerous occasions. After a Abdoulaye Doucoure pass, a Beto strike into the ground over Andre Onana and a three-minute VAR check, the Blues were in front.

Everton’s second was even more calamitous from United’s perspective and Harry Maguire won’t want to see any of it again. He was caught out with a through ball at first but when Onana saved from a Jack Harrison strike, the United defender was caught ball watching for what seemed like an age and Doucoure pounced.

David Moyes and Ruben Amorim had to settle for a point each( Image: PA)

The Everton midfielder headed in with United static and, after 33 minutes, the hosts were flying and United’s last visit to Goodison Park was heading towards a nightmare. There were more skirmishes in front of United’s goal but the Toffees didn’t land a third blow which would have ended this as a contest.

Fernandes - like he so often has for this team - dragged them out of the mire. His low free-kick in the 72nd minute sparked the comeback after Doucoure handled on the edge of the area.

Then eight minutes later, Everton mimicked some of United’s poor defending and the ball fell for Manuel Ugarte to fire in his first ever goal for the club. It looked like then there would be only one winner. But the drama was to come at the other end.

Ashley Young went down in the box under a challenge from Harry Maguire and Madley pointed to the spot. But the VAR got involved and sent the referee to the screen. He looked at multiple replays as Goodison waited with anger growing as every second passed.

Then he decided to overturn his own decision much to the delight - and most probably relief - of the away support.

Yet it’s still only 15 points in 15 league games for Amorim. This was Moyes’ 14th in seven games. The fact Everton were frustrated at the end and United were relieved tells the story.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky Sports deal

Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£35 (was £43)

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky
Get the deal here