In a 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday, Bruno Fernandes led Manchester United to a rally from two goals down to prevent Ruben Amorim with yet another damaging defeat.
With goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure within 33 minutes, United were on the verge of a ninth defeat in their previous 13 league games.
Before Manuel Ugarte’s equalizer saved a point for United, the visitors were unable to find a shot on target until Fernandes’ free-kick curled home after 18 minutes.
After Everton were awarded a penalty well into stoppage time, only for referee Andy Madley to overturn his decision following a VAR review.
Everton moves up to 12th place, while United stays at 15th.
When David Moyes made his second start in charge last month, Everton were in a survival battle, but they have taken 14 of their possible 18 points to ensure that their 71-year reign in the top flight won’t come to an end.
Amorim acknowledged before the game that Moyes, who was fired from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 after only a short time in charge of the club, was doing a better job than he had before.
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.
Before moving to a new 53, 000-capacity stadium next season, Everton have just five more games left to play at Goodison Park.
The home team and fans are determined to make the most of what has been left since 1892, putting pressure on a United side that was lacking in confidence right off the bat.
Shambolic defense
However, comedic United defending gave Everton the lead in the 19th minute.
Before the ball eventually broke, the Red Devils had several chances to shoot over Andre Onana and into the ground.
Since Moyes’ return, the striker has transformed, scoring five goals in his last four Premier League starts after scoring just four goals in his first 44 starts for the club.
Beto also played a significant role in the second half, opening up the United defense before feeding Jack Harrison with a low cross.
Harrison’s shot into the air was too sharp for Onana, who only managed to parry it before Doucoure outmuscled Harry Maguire to head in the loose ball.
Everton’s early lead was denied by Doucoure’s fine save as they attempted to increase it.
But, not for the first time, Fernandes was United’s one source of inspiration.
The Portugal international’s free-kick wrong-footed Jordan Pickford to kickstart the fightback.
The equalizer came on Beto’s headed clearance, and this was his first goal for the club thanks to another Fernandes free kick.
In a thrilling finale, both teams had chances to win.
Pickford tipped over Fernandes’ dipping effort from the edge of the box, while Beto placed a header too close for Onana.
However, United were fortunate to escape when Ashley Young appeared to have been pulled down by a group of Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt in more time.
Source: Channels TV
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