Everton hosted Manchester United on February 22, 2025, at Goodison Park, where the two sides played to an intense 2-2 draw, with both teams showcasing moments of strength and struggle.
The match began with Everton, revitalized under manager David Moyes, taking full control. The hosts opened the scoring early when Beto capitalized on Manchester United's weakness defending set pieces, firing home from close range after several attempts to clear the ball from a corner. This set the tone for the first half, as Everton dominated the play, putting United on the back foot.
Just minutes later, Abdoulaye Doucouré made it 2-0 for the Toffees, reacting quickest to pounce on a rebound and heading the ball past United’s goalkeeper André Onana. By this stage, Everton was firmly in command, pressuring the Red Devils and displaying aggression and confidence.
Manchester United struggled to create meaningful chances, appearing disjointed and lacking the spark necessary to mount any significant threat against Jordan Pickford's goal. Despite holding the ball, their attacking moves were often static and easily intercepted by the Everton defense. Jay-Zirkzee, one of United's forwards, went largely unnoticed as his side engaged continuously on the backfoot.
Headed toward halftime, Everton remained resolute, holding the advantage at 2-0. The Toffees' superior performance had echoed the struggles of the United squad, raising questions about the future of manager Ruben Amorim, who has faced mounting pressure after presiding over only four wins from his last 14 matches since taking charge.
Following the break, Manchester United began to display more urgency. Relying on individual brilliance, they fought to regain their footing in the match. Bruno Fernandes took on the mantle of creativity and leadership, and his efforts paid off dramatically when he curled home a stunning free-kick from just outside the box, cutting Everton's lead to 2-1.
With renewed energy, United cranked up the offensive pressure, and moments later, Manuel Ugarte leveled the score at 2-2. Controlling the ball beautifully just outside the area, he volleyed it past Pickford, bringing his team back from the brink of defeat and sending the match on its uncertain course toward the final whistle.
After Ugarte’s equalizer, the atmosphere intensified, with both teams exchanging chances. Everton's supporters added drama to the match, chanting for Marcus Rashford, whose name ricocheted around Goodison Park as players celebrated with each other and the fans.
The final minutes saw close calls for both sides, with Everton desperately seeking to retake the lead and United scrambling to solidify their comeback. A penalty decision for Everton was overturned after extensive VAR review, sparking debate among players and fans.
After the match, Moyes reflected positively on his squad’s performance, stating, "We’ve had a really good run, and we have to keep it going now," highlighting the importance of momentum for his team as they move forward. Meanwhile, Amorim remarked, "David Moyes is doing a greater job than me. It's quite simple," acknowledging the difference between the two teams’ current trajectories.
This match was not just about points but also about pride for both clubs. The draw exemplified Everton's potential resurgence under Moyes and underscored United's continuing struggles amid managerial changes.
With the match ending 2-2, both teams walked away with reasons to reflect on their respective seasons. Everton, buoyed by what is increasingly seen as a successful new chapter, and United, grappling with their need for change as they remain trapped beneath the weight of expectations and disappointing performances at the helm of Amorim.