Manchester United Twice Lose Lead as Everton Equalize in Stoppage Time, Only One Win in First 3 Matches of New Season

In Premier League Round 3, Manchester United took the lead twice away from home but were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton in stoppage time. Substitute Maitland-Niles scored a spectacular long-range effort to earn Everton a point.

Manchester United went ahead twice through goals from Mbeumo and Sesko, with Sesko's 88th-minute header appearing to have sealed the win. However, Everton equalized twice, with Tyrique George scoring one goal and Maitland-Niles completing the stoppage-time equalizer.

Maitland-Niles: Long-range strike saves the team in debut appearance

"Everyone wants to start like this," Maitland-Niles said after the match. "The ball fell to me, right on the edge of the box. I struck it and it went into the corner. I am very happy." The player signed on deadline day came on as a substitute and, in his debut, used a long-range shot to earn his team a point.

Everton's George was also crucial, scoring the equalizer first and then contributing to the late attack that produced the final equalizer. "We knew we could get back into the game, and we did," George said. "Although we didn't win, it feels like a win."

Defensive problem: Conceding two goals in three consecutive matches

For Manchester United, this was another setback. They have recorded only one win in the first three matches of the new season — losing to Hull City, beating Ipswich Town, and now drawing with Everton. More concerning is the continued weakness in defense: United have conceded two goals in three consecutive matches, making defensive problems the biggest obstacle to collecting points.

After twice taking the lead but failing to hold on, Manchester United's defensive focus clearly dropped in the closing stages. The stoppage-time goal was especially damaging — the team had almost considered the match finished, but Everton's continued pressure eventually paid off. For the Red Devils, how to remain composed after taking the lead is a problem the manager must solve next.