LIVERPOOL, England — Manchester United were seconds away from celebrating a crucial Premier League victory — until Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a sensational strike that sent Everton fans into celebration and rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw.

Maitland-Niles, making his Everton debut after joining from Lyon, struck a stunning long-range equaliser in stoppage time as the Toffees twice came from behind against Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, September 6.

The dramatic finish capped a thrilling second half in which all four goals were scored.

Manchester United appeared to have finally secured the win when Benjamin Sesko headed home late in the match, restoring the visitors’ lead after Everton had fought back through Tyrique George.

But there was still one extraordinary moment left.

With virtually the final kick of the game, Maitland-Niles unleashed a powerful long-range effort to beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens and snatch a valuable point for Everton. Reports placed the dramatic equaliser in the 95th or 96th minute, depending on match timing conventions.

MBEUMO STRIKES FIRST FOR MANCHESTER UNITED

After a goalless first half, Manchester United wasted little time after the restart.

Bryan Mbeumo put the visitors ahead barely a minute into the second half, cutting inside from the right before firing a precise left-footed shot into the far corner.

The goal appeared to give United control, but Everton gradually grew into the contest and continued to create dangerous opportunities.

Earlier in the match, Bruno Fernandes had struck the crossbar, while Everton also had chances through Thierno Barry and Matheus Cunha. Everton ultimately finished with more shots on target, underlining the pressure they were able to generate despite Manchester United taking the lead twice.

TYRIQUE GEORGE IGNITES EVERTON COMEBACK

Everton’s persistence finally paid off in the closing stages.

Tyrique George thundered a powerful effort past Lammens at the near post to bring the home side level and ignite the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The momentum shifted further after Everton introduced Jack Grealish, who was making his return during a second loan spell on Merseyside and helped improve the team’s attacking cohesion.

However, Manchester United were not finished.

SESKO THOUGHT HE HAD WON IT…

With the match heading toward a tense conclusion, Benjamin Sesko rose to meet Luke Shaw’s cross and headed Manchester United back in front in the closing minutes.

For United, it looked like the winning moment.

For Everton, it looked like heartbreak.

But Maitland-Niles had other ideas.

The former Arsenal player, introduced as a substitute on his Everton debut, delivered the defining moment of the match with a spectacular long-range strike that earned the Toffees a dramatic draw.

MAITLAND-NILES MAKES INSTANT EVERTON HISTORY

The goal was more than just a late equaliser.

According to reports following the match, Maitland-Niles became the first Everton player to score from outside the penalty area on his Premier League debut. The strike was also his first Premier League goal since 2018.

The 29-year-old had only recently joined Everton from Lyon, making his impact even more remarkable.

David Moyes praised his side’s resilience after a difficult transfer window, insisting Everton would not make excuses despite concerns over the squad’s depth. The Toffees have now maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

WHAT THE RESULT MEANS

The 2-2 draw leaves:

• Everton: 5 points from their opening three Premier League matches
• Manchester United: 4 points from three matches

Everton sit eighth in the early standings, while Manchester United are 11th after failing to hold onto a lead for the second time in the dramatic contest.

For Manchester United, the result will feel like two points dropped.

The visitors led twice and appeared on course for victory after Sesko’s late header. But their inability to close out the game allowed Everton to deliver one of the most dramatic finishes of the Premier League weekend.

Sky Sports described the contest as a pulsating encounter, while other reports highlighted Everton’s resilience and their ability to remain competitive despite concerns surrounding the club’s squad depth following the transfer window.

WHY THIS MATCH MATTERS

Manchester United’s attacking stars delivered.

Mbeumo scored.
Sesko scored.

Yet Everton still refused to lose.

Tyrique George provided one stunning equaliser — and then, when Manchester United thought the match was over, debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced the moment that will dominate the headlines.

One strike.

One debut.

One unforgettable Premier League ending.

And Manchester United were left wondering how victory slipped away.

WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S