From my apartment, I watched every second of the 90-minute match between Everton and Manchester United, which ended in a goalless draw, and I must say these two United players do not deserve to continue their careers at the club. Gary Neville harshly criticized two Manchester United players for their poor performance today.
The match was defined by a highly controversial VAR call in stoppage time, which denied Everton a decisive penalty and sparked heated debate.
Everton began the game on the front foot, capitalizing on Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses. In the 19th minute, Beto notched his fifth goal in four league matches, taking advantage of a poorly cleared corner. The hosts extended their lead before the break when Abdoulaye Doucouré reacted quickly to convert a rebound after Andre Onana’s initial save. Manchester United’s defensive pairing of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt struggled to contain Everton’s relentless pressure, leaving their team exposed.
United emerged from halftime with renewed determination. Manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical changes, particularly the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho, injected much-needed energy into the squad. In the 72nd minute, captain Bruno Fernandes curled in a stunning free-kick to halve the deficit. Just eight minutes later, Manuel Ugarte struck a precise volley from outside the box to bring the visitors level. With momentum shifting in United’s favor, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion.
The defining moment of the match came in added time. Everton was initially awarded a penalty after Ashley Young went down in the box following contact from Maguire and De Ligt. However, after a VAR review, referee Andy Madley reversed his decision, ruling that no foul had taken place. The decision ignited frustration among Everton fans, who believed their team had been unfairly denied a chance to reclaim the lead.
In the aftermath, individual performances became a talking point. Casemiro, once a dominant force in midfield, struggled to make an impact and was substituted just after the hour mark. In contrast, Bruno Fernandes displayed leadership and technical brilliance, driving United’s comeback. Despite their resilience, United’s defensive frailties remained evident, with Maguire and De Ligt failing to provide stability at the back.
The result leaves Manchester United in 15th place, trailing Everton by three spots. While Amorim’s side showed fighting spirit, their inconsistency remains a concern. For Everton, the draw felt like a missed opportunity, though their strong showing under David Moyes offered signs of progress.
Following the match, the Premier League released a statement clarifying that VAR had determined no foul had been committed, leading to the on-field decision being overturned. However, this explanation did little to appease frustrated Everton supporters, who felt their team had been unfairly treated.
Ultimately, the match served as another reminder of the unpredictability of the Premier League. Everton’s early dominance and United’s second-half resurgence made for an entertaining contest, but the dramatic VAR controversy ensured the game would be remembered for reasons beyond the foo
tball itself.
