Bruno Fernandes played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s comeback, helping them recover from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday, sparing Ruben Amorim from another heavy defeat.
United appeared on course for their ninth loss in 13 league matches as goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure put Everton 2-0 up within the first 33 minutes.
The visitors had yet to register a shot on target until Fernandes’ free-kick found the net in the 72nd minute, bringing United back into the game.
Manuel Ugarte then netted the equalizer to secure a vital point for United.
The drama didn’t end there, though, as Everton were awarded a penalty in the dying seconds of stoppage time, but referee Andy Madley reversed his decision after a VAR review.
A point edges Everton up to 12th, while United remain in 15th.
Everton were in a battle for survival when David Moyes returned for his second spell in charge last month, but they have taken 14 points from a possible 18 in their last six games to ensure their 71-year stay in the top flight will not come to an end.
Amorim conceded before the game that Moyes, who himself was sacked after less than a season in charge of United in 2014, was doing a better job than he has managed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in November.
When the sides last met in Amorim’s first home league game, United cruised to a 4-0 win at Old Trafford, but he has managed just three victories in 13 Premier League games since.
Everton have just five more matches to come at Goodison Park before they move to a new 53,000-capacity stadium next season.
The home fans and team are determined to make the most of what is left at the club’s home since 1892 and put a United side lacking in confidence under pressure from the off.
– Shambolic defending –
But when Everton did take the lead on 19 minutes it was thanks to comedic United defending.
The Red Devils had multiple chances to deal with a corner into the box before the ball eventually broke for Beto to fire into the ground and over Andre Onana.
The striker has been transformed since Moyes’ return, scoring five times in his last four Premier League appearances after netting just four times in his first 44 for the club.
Beto also had a big part to play in the second as his run in behind opened up the United defence before he fed Jack Harrison with a low cross.
Onana could only parry Harrison’s shot into the air and Doucoure outmuscled Harry Maguire to head in the loose ball.
Doucoure was denied a second by a fine save from Onana as Everton looked to build on their lead early in the second half.
But, not for the first time, Fernandes was United’s one source of inspiration.
Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick wrong-footed Jordan Pickford and sparked Manchester United’s fightback.
A second Fernandes free-kick led to the equaliser when Manuel Ugarte seized on Beto’s headed clearance and fired in his first goal for the club.
Both teams had opportunities to claim victory in a thrilling finish.
Beto’s header from close range was directed too close to Onana, while Pickford denied Fernandes with a superb save, tipping his dipping shot over the bar from the edge of the box.
United were lucky to escape in added time when Ashley Young seemed to be fouled by a combination of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
The referee initially awarded a penalty but, after a VAR review, overturned the decision, sparing Ruben Amorim further embarrassment.
