Player Ratings: Everton Lose Momentum as United’s Late Surge Earns a Point

EPL Index

·22 Februari 2025

Player Ratings: Everton Lose Momentum as United’s Late Surge Earns a Point

Manchester United’s Comeback Stuns Everton in Premier League Thriller

United Salvage Point After Everton Dominate First Half

Manchester United produced a stirring second-half fightback at Goodison Park, overturning a two-goal deficit to claim a 2-2 draw against an aggressive Everton side.

Ruben Amorim’s men struggled to cope with Everton’s intensity early on, and it took just 19 minutes for the hosts to capitalise. Beto, in fine form for the Toffees, pounced on United’s inability to clear a routine corner to score his fourth Premier League goal in as many matches.

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Everton’s dominance continued, and before the interval, they doubled their advantage. Abdoulaye Doucoure, returning from suspension, reacted quickest after Jack Harrison’s parried shot to nod past Andre Onana, sending Goodison Park into raptures.

Photo: IMAGO

Fernandes and Ugarte Spark United Revival

United needed a response, and it came from their captain. With 20 minutes remaining, Bruno Fernandes showcased his set-piece prowess, curling a superb free kick beyond Jordan Pickford to halve the deficit.

The equaliser arrived just eight minutes later. Manuel Ugarte, whose influence grew as the match progressed, struck a stunning volley to level the contest. The Uruguayan’s technique under pressure highlighted the growing impact he has in United’s midfield.

There was late controversy as Everton were awarded a stoppage-time penalty when Ashley Young hit the deck under pressure from Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. However, after a VAR review, referee Andy Madley overturned his decision, ensuring United escaped with a point.

Photo: IMAGO

Player Ratings

Everton

Jordan Pickford – 5.7/10Struggled with set-pieces and was unable to stop United’s comeback.
Jake O’Brien – 7.1/10Defended well but found Fernandes difficult to contain.
James Tarkowski – 6.2/10Solid in the first half but less composed under second-half pressure.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7.2/10Another strong showing, kept United’s forwards quiet for large spells.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6.4/10Pushed forward well but was exposed defensively in the latter stages.
James Garner – 6.6/10Worked hard in midfield but struggled after United’s tactical adjustments.
Idrissa Gueye – 7.8/10A commanding presence in midfield, dominant in duels.
Jesper Lindstrom – 6.2/10Lively but lacked the final pass.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 8.4/10Scored and controlled the midfield battle in the first half.
Jack Harrison – 7.0/10Provided a dangerous attacking outlet throughout.
Beto – 6.9/10Took his goal well but faded in the second half.

Substitutes:

Ashley Young (53′ for Lindstrom) – 7.0/10Won the overturned penalty, added experience to the side.
Carlos Alcaraz (81′ for Doucoure) – N/ALittle time to make an impact.
Tim Iroegbunam (81′ for Garner) – N/APlayed only a few minutes.

Manchester United

Andre Onana – 6.7/10Made some crucial saves but could do little about the goals.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.3/10Strong in one-on-one battles and contributed well going forward.
Harry Maguire – 7.0/10Led the backline and was key in the second half.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6.9/10Struggled in the first half but improved as the game went on.
Diogo Dalot – 6.6/10Provided width but was caught out defensively.
Casemiro – 7.1/10Broke up play but lacked dynamism in possession.
Manuel Ugarte – 8.2/10Outstanding volley and controlled the tempo late on.
Patrick Dorgu – 7.6/10Bright and aggressive, made an impact on the left flank.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5.5/10Anonymous for large parts of the match.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5.9/10Struggled to impose himself against Everton’s physical defenders.
Bruno Fernandes – 8.6/10Led by example, scoring a crucial free kick and dictating play.

Substitutes:

Alejandro Garnacho (62′ for Casemiro) – 6.5/10Injected pace but lacked a decisive moment.
Leny Yoro (70′ for Mazraoui) – 6.0/10Steady but not much impact.
Chido Obi (70′ for Hojlund) – 6.1/10Some neat touches but little goal threat.