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Everton came through a difficult week with something meaningful to hold on to, as Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his debut with a stoppage-time equaliser in a gripping 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

For David Moyes, this was a point that meant far more emotionally than a routine September draw. Everton had gone through a disappointing deadline day, the squad still lacked the depth Moyes had been seeking, and the manager had already said he had “to live with disappointments”.

His appeal for Everton’s players to “muck in” felt especially apt in this match. That is precisely what they did.

Manchester United showed flashes of class without ever taking the level of control Michael Carrick would have expected. One such moment came from Bryan Mbeumo, who finished brilliantly to put United in front and once again showed why he remains such a threatening attacking player.

Everton hit back through Tyrique George.

His fierce effort altered the shape of the game and served as another reminder of the youngster’s talent. George was lively, direct and ready to shoulder responsibility, earning an 8 in our Player Ratings.

James Garner was just as important. His display in midfield gave Everton the base they needed to stay competitive, especially against a United midfield that included an outstanding Kobbie Mainoo.

As the contest moved towards its closing stages, Benjamin Sesko looked to have supplied the decisive moment.

The Manchester United substitute climbed highest to head in during the 88th minute, seemingly handing Carrick’s team a valuable late win. It also looked set to give Sesko another memorable contribution at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton, though, still had one last push in them.

Deadline-day signing Maitland-Niles came off the bench and delivered the kind of debut moment that instantly places a player into a club’s recent folklore.

With Everton appearing destined for defeat, Maitland-Niles smashed a superb long-range strike past United to level it at 2-2 in stoppage time. Hill Dickinson Stadium erupted.

Given the frustration around Everton’s transfer dealings, there was something particularly apt about one of their deadline-day arrivals saving the day.

Moyes will still be aware that the deeper issues have not gone away. Everton’s lack of squad depth remains a worry, and several attacking players struggled to make an impact, with Brennan Johnson and Thierno Barry both receiving ratings of 5.

Carrick, meanwhile, will have his own reasons for frustration. United were moments away from taking all three points after Sesko’s late goal, only to let that advantage slip. Mainoo and Mbeumo were their standout players, while Luke Shaw also turned in an encouraging performance.

For Everton, the week closes with a point, a spectacular debut goal and rather more optimism than seemed possible in the 88th minute.

Everton

Jordan Pickford, 5

Merlin Rohl, 7

James Tarkowski, 6

Jarrad Branthwaite, 7

Vitalli Mykolenko, 6

Harrison Armstrong, 6

James Garner, 8

Tyrique George, 8

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, 7

Brennan Johnson, 5

Thierno Barry, 5

Manchester United

Senne Lammens, 5

Diogo Dalot, 5

Harry Maguire, 5

Lisandro Martinez, 6

Luke Shaw, 7

Kobbie Mainoo, 8

Youri Tielemans, 7

Bruno Fernandes, 6

Bryan Mbeumo, 8

Marcus Rashford, 6

Matheus Cunha, 5