VAR Drama, Ugarte Thunderbolt & Bruno Magic: Man United’s Great Escape at Goodison!
Manchester United’s rollercoaster season took another dramatic twist at Goodison Park, where they clawed their way back from a disastrous first half to snatch a controversial 2-2 draw against Everton. But this was no ordinary comeback—it was drenched in controversy, fueled by late VAR drama, and highlighted by a stunning first goal for Manuel Ugarte.
For Everton, it was a night of frustration. They dominated for long stretches, outplayed United, and had a 96th-minute penalty cruelly overturned after what looked like a blatant foul on Ashley Young. For United, it was a tale of two halves—dismal before the break, defiant after it, and saved by two set-piece moments.
Everton’s First-Half Masterclass – United in Crisis
From the opening whistle, David Moyes’ Everton side were sharper, hungrier, and completely in control. United’s midfield of Casemiro and Ugarte was completely overrun, while the defense—featuring Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt—looked slow and disjointed.
The breakthrough came in chaotic fashion. A Jack Harrison corner led to a comedy of errors—United failed to clear the ball five times, allowing Beto to pounce, smashing his shot into the ground and past André Onana. But wait—VAR had its say. The officials took over three minutes checking for offside and a possible touch from Jesper Lindstrøm before finally allowing the goal.
Goodison erupted. Beto had scored his fifth goal in four games, continuing his unexpected scoring spree. Meanwhile, United’s set-piece defending—already criticized this season—was exposed once again. Amorim’s set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes had more questions to answer.
Things went from bad to worse for United. Everton’s second goal was even more embarrassing from a defensive standpoint. Jake O’Brien, impressive at right back, intercepted a weak United attack and set off a counter. Lindstrøm split the United defense with a superb ball to Beto, who squared it to Harrison in front of goal. His shot was saved, but Doucouré reacted far quicker than Maguire to nod home the rebound.
Everton were flying. United? A mess. No ideas, no urgency, no attacking intent. Their expected goals (xG) for the first half? A laughable 0.04.
Bruno’s Free-Kick Sparks Life Into United
Whatever Amorim said at halftime, it had an effect. United finally started playing with urgency, though the quality was still lacking. That all changed in the 72nd minute.
Alejandro Garnacho was fouled by Idrissa Gueye just outside the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the free-kick—but his first attempt crashed into the Everton wall. Then came the twist. The referee spotted that Doucouré had raised his arm to block the shot.
A second free-kick was given, this time even closer to goal. Fernandes didn’t waste his second chance—he curled a stunning shot into Jordan Pickford’s top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper frozen to the spot.
Suddenly, United had hope. Everton, who had been so comfortable, started to look nervous.
Ugarte’s Thunderbolt – A First Goal to Remember!
Eight minutes later, Goodison Park fell silent. Another set piece, another mistake.
Bruno’s floated free-kick was headed clear by Beto, but only as far as Ugarte, who had time and space on the edge of the box. One touch to control, one to smash a low drive past Pickford. It was a bullet of a shot—his first goal for United, and what a time to score it!
United, against all odds, had drawn level. Everton had thrown away a 2-0 lead. But the real drama was yet to come.
VAR Controversy: Was Everton Robbed?
Deep into stoppage time, Everton had one last chance to win it. Onana made a brilliant save to deny Gueye, and as Ashley Young rushed in for the rebound, he was sandwiched between Maguire and de Ligt.
Referee Andrew Madley wasted no time—penalty to Everton! Goodison exploded in celebration. This was their moment to snatch victory.
But then, VAR intervened.
Madley was sent to the pitchside monitor, and after a long delay, he overturned his decision. No penalty. Everton’s fans were furious. Players surrounded the referee in disbelief. Moyes was livid on the touchline.
United had escaped.
Final Whistle: A Point Won or Two Lost?
As the whistle blew, the reactions told the story. Everton looked devastated. They had bossed the game for 70 minutes, only to collapse and then be denied a last-gasp penalty.
United, meanwhile, had snatched a point despite being dreadful for half the game. Amorim will be relieved, but he knows this performance won’t be good enough going forward.
For Everton, this will feel like a robbery. For United, it’s a lucky escape. One thing’s for sure—this VAR drama won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
