Maitland-Niles' stunning strike secures a 2-2 draw for Everton against Man Utd

Ainsley Maitland-Niles netted a stunning equalizer on his debut with nearly the final kick of the match, helping Everton secure a point in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

Benjamin Sesko appeared to have secured victory for the visitors with a header in the 88th minute, but substitute Maitland-Niles responded with a stunning first-time shot from 30 yards, ensuring his team maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

United have accumulated four points from their first three games of the season, placing them in 11th position in the standings. Meanwhile, Everton sits in eighth place with five points from the same number of matches.

Bryan Mbeumo's impressive solo effort had given the visitors the lead early in the second half, but Everton gradually found their rhythm, with Tyrique George equalizing through a powerful shot, followed by late goals from Sesko and Maitland-Niles. "It felt like a win," Maitland-Niles, who joined Everton from Lyon on Tuesday, shared with Sky Sports. We worked hard and earned a point. The crowd stood by us, and we battled until the very end, which is why we achieved these results. It's incredible; everyone aspires to begin in that way, and I’m grateful that I did. The ball came to me at the edge of the box; I struck it with my foot, and it found its way into the top corner, which I'm pleased about.

United will feel a sense of disappointment for not securing the three points in a match where they took the lead on two occasions and hit the bar in the first half with a shot from Bruno Fernandes.

Everton showcased a stronger offensive presence, registering more shots on target and demonstrating relentless determination. This fighting spirit will be essential for them this season, especially given their limited squad depth after a transfer window that faced significant criticism.

Matheus Cunha shot over from a favorable position, while the clearest opportunity of the first half went to Everton striker Thierno Barry, who failed to convert a free header from Merlin Rohl's excellent cross from the right, sending it over the bar.

United took just a minute to find the net in the second period as Mbeumo skillfully cut inside from the right and placed his left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the far corner.

James Tarkowski's superb last-ditch tackle on Cunha thwarted the Brazilian from scoring before Everton brought on Jack Grealish in the 66th minute as he commenced a second loan spell on Merseyside, positively impacting their attacking cohesion.

George struck the ball powerfully past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens at the near post to level the score in the 83rd minute. Sesko appeared to have clinched the victory when he directed Luke Shaw’s cross into the net, only for Maitland-Niles to deliver a stunning moment at the very end.