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Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck a brilliant late equaliser on his Everton debut to deny Manchester United victory.

Manchester United were left stunned at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his first appearance for Everton with a sensational goal late on. Even though the Red Devils went ahead twice through Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, their defensive weaknesses were laid bare in a chaotic 2-2 draw on Merseyside.

Late drama hits Carrick's side

Manchester United's defensive issues continued to grow after Michael Carrick's team let a late lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Everton on Sunday. In a game shaped by outstanding finishing, the Red Devils looked set to take all three points until Maitland-Niles produced a moment of brilliance in the closing seconds.

The visitors had appeared the sharper side for much of the first half, but they found it difficult to convert possession into clear chances. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were the main driving forces in United's attack, with Fernandes coming close to opening the scoring inside eight minutes when his shot struck the crossbar after a knockdown from Mbeumo - the 24th time United have hit the woodwork since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League side.

Mbeumo gives United the breakthrough

United made an immediate statement after the break, taking the lead in the 46th minute. Mbeumo showed his finishing quality by cutting in from the flank and firing a low, accurate shot beyond Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner. The goal appeared to calm the Red Devils, who for a brief spell looked capable of taking full control of the contest.

Everton refused to fold and gradually worked their way back into the match, helped by a temporary numerical advantage when Fernandes had to go off for treatment on a bloodied ankle. The pressure finally paid off in the 83rd minute when Tyrique George scored with an audacious effort.

Sesko believes he has won it

After Everton's equaliser, Carrick sent on Sesko and Patrick Dorgu to inject fresh energy in the final third. The decision initially brought rewards in the 88th minute when Shaw, keen to make up for his role in George's goal, drove forward to join the attack. After receiving the ball from Fernandes on the overlap, the left-back delivered a floated cross into the middle of the box, hanging it over the central area for Sesko to attack and register his first goal of the season.

But in the final moments of the game, Maitland-Niles introduced himself to the Everton supporters in spectacular fashion. Taking advantage of Sesko's failure to close down the space on the edge of the area, the former Arsenal midfielder - who joined from Lyon on transfer deadline day - set himself before unleashing a 'postage stamp' strike into the top corner.

Crucial week ahead for Carrick's side

The result leaves United frustrated ahead of an important week in their campaign. Carrick must now lift his squad for the start of the UEFA Champions League group stage at Old Trafford this Thursday, followed by a high-stakes Derby Day clash next Sunday.