Manchester United managed to escape with a 2-2 draw against Everton on February 22, 2025, at Old Trafford, marking another intense fixture where VAR played a pivotal role. Under the guidance of coach Ruben Amorim, the team found themselves battling to avert what would have been their 13th loss of the Premier League season, as they languished at the 15th position with only four victories this term.
Everton, on the other hand, coached by David Moyes and sitting at 14th place, was equally desperate for points, having not registered a win since January 2025. The game began with Everton taking the lead just 19 minutes, as their player Vet capitalized on some defensive confusion during a corner kick to score, marking his fourth consecutive match with a goal.
Building momentum, Everton doubled their lead at the 33-minute mark. Vet again showcased his prowess, driving down the right flank before delivering the ball to Harrison. Harrison's shot was parried by United's goalkeeper Andre Onana, but Abdoulaye Doucouré was quick to pounce, slotting the rebound home to make it 2-0.
Faced with the prospect of another devastating defeat, Manchester United regrouped after halftime. They pulled one back at the 72-minute mark, thanks to Bruno Fernandes. A well-executed free kick saw Fernandes send the ball directly past the wall and past the goalkeeper, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
The match reached another dramatic crescendo eight minutes later when Ugarte, who had just scored his first goal since joining the club last summer, leveled the score at 2-2. Following a set piece, Ugarte collected the loose ball and executed a superb half-volley, sending the home crowd wild.
With the match now tied, late-game drama unfolded, as Everton appeared to have earned a penalty after Ashley Young fell under Harry Maguire's challenge within the box. Referee Andy Madley initially awarded the penalty, but upon review of the incident via VAR, he overturned his decision, deeming it as overreaction by Young. This shocking twist left Everton fans reeling as the match concluded without their side stealing all three points.
Commenting on the match, Amorim stated, "This match was pivotal for us, and we managed to hold on thanks to some late magic," highlighting the importance of securing any points amid their challenging season. Bruno Fernandes also echoed this sentiment, saying, "VAR saved us from despair today," demonstrating the mounting tensions and pressures faced by both teams.
Fans from both sides left the pitch contemplating the ramifications of the draw. For Manchester United, the single point earned may provide slight relief, yet it does little to dispel the looming threat of relegation or their struggles under Amorim’s management. Meanwhile, Everton remains stuck on their streak without victory, needing to bounce back quickly to avoid falling behind as the battle to secure Premier League survival intensifies.