Premier League: Manchester United earn 2-2 draw at Everton after VAR relief

LONDON: 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 host was denied a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review.

United’s woeful campaign looked set to get worse as more poor defending allowed rejuvenated striker Beto to fire Everton in front early on, and Abdoulaye Doucoure made it 2-0 before halftime at Goodison Park.

The visitor did improve after the break and captain Fernandes pulled a goal back from a free kick before Ugarte slammed home a superb equaliser 10 minutes from time to complete the comeback.

Everton thought it was set to snatch a dramatic win after it was awarded a stoppage-time penalty, but the decision was overturned by VAR, and one point apiece kept United 15th in the standings, three places below its opponent.

All eyes were on Everton manager David Moyes ahead of kickoff up against his former club. Back at the Merseyside club for the second time, the veteran coach has overseen a mini-revival to help pull his side clear of the bottom three.

Moyes was given the unenviable task of succeeding Alex Ferguson in 2013 at Old Trafford, a job that proved a step too far.

Eight defeats for United in its previous 12 league games ensured Everton started the day above its opponent in the table – the latest into a season it was facing United while above it in the standings since 2013-14.

The host was soon on course to extend that gap as Beto scuffed Everton in front – his fifth goal in his last four games - after United failed to clear the ball on several occasions.

The defending for Everton’s second was no better, with goalkeeper Andre Onana’s poor attempt to keep Beto’s strike out seized upon by Doucoure.

Everton took its foot off the gas after the break, however, and Fernandes made United’s pressure tell with a well-taken free kick. Ugarte’s finish, after Fernandes’ free kick had been cleared to him, was equally precise.

United once again appeared to shoot itself in the foot late on, after Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young in the penalty area.

Referee Andrew Madley, however, signalled he was to consult the pitchside monitor and he overturned his decision, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Agencies

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