The first days after the transfer window closed in the blue half of Liverpool have been dominated by a wave of fan anger over what is widely considered to have been a disastrous transfer window by the club's hierarchy, who left David Moyes with a rather limited squad. But, at least judging by today's clash with Manchester United, perhaps that criticism has been a little excessive, because it was two of Everton's new arrivals who twice brought them back from the dead and ultimately saved face at Hill Dickinson Stadium – 2:2 in the third round of the Premier League.First Tyrique George, who was already at the club last season but on loan from Chelsea, before Everton made his move permanent this summer for 21 million euros. And then Ainsley Maitland-Niles, signed in the final hours of deadline day for a modest 3,500,000 euros. What was particularly impressive was the way the hosts practically snatched those three points that had already seemed destined for United. George smashed the ball into the visitors' net from a tight angle in the 83rd minute. Then, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Maitland-Niles unleashed an absolute rocket past Senne Lammens.2 – For just the second time in the last 50 years, Manchester United have conceded 2+ goals in each of their first three games of a league season, along with 2020-21.Leaky. pic.twitter.com/B2Dk6Ioxkq— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 6, 2026 In the end, a thoroughly deserved share of the spoils, as United had more possession while Everton registered more shots. Admittedly, that was somewhat inevitable given that the Toffees had to chase the game twice. First after Bryan Mbeumo slalomed past three opposing players in the opening minute of the second half. And then because Benjamin Sesko, who had already shown last spring with nine goals in the second half of the season that he has that killer instinct, sent a message to Michael Carrick in the 87th minute that perhaps he should be given a starting spot ahead of Matheus Cunha.QUE CRUZAMENTO DE LUKE SHAW.QUE PORRADA DE CABEÇA DE SESKO.EVERTON 1-2 MANCHESTER UNITED. pic.twitter.com/A9IYQEoH6C— Thomas Alencar (@thomasalencr) September 6, 2026 Still, it seems United's problem is not so much their attack as their defence — and perhaps also the fact that this team simply doesn't know how to control games. After both goals, United surrendered the initiative to the Toffees far too easily, and although the home side had done little to suggest they were particularly potent in the final third, they simply could not resist such gifts from United. It is therefore no coincidence that Manchester United have conceded two goals in each of their first three Premier League games of the new season. First in the defeat to Hull, then in the encouraging victory over Ipswich, and finally today in the draw with Everton. And instead of being level on points with fifth place, they now find themselves sitting 11th, with plenty to think about. Today's performance was hardly a reason for optimism.Mbeumo goal pic.twitter.com/4r6rqqBIX8— United Xtra vids (@UnitedXtravids) September 6, 2026 United also missed their chances. First, in the eighth minute, Bruno Fernandes, the hero of the win over Ipswich, rattled the crossbar with a volley. Then, in the 22nd minute, Matheus Cunha fired just over the bar first time after a brilliant run from Marcus Rashford, who was causing all sorts of problems down the right at that stage. By the end of the first half, Everton had managed to shake off the pressure and take control of possession, but they had no idea what to do with the ball. They tried to make something happen, but there was no real inspiration. And then, in the 46th minute, came a cold shower. Perhaps the hosts thought they had their opponents in the palm of their hands and relaxed so much that they allowed Bryan Mbeumo to slalom between three defenders before sending the ball into the far corner.##EDITORS_CHOICE##After conceding, the Toffees started pushing forward a little more boldly, although that was largely because they had no choice. They still couldn't figure out how to break down United's defence. There were a few threatening attempts, but initially nothing that seriously worried Senne Lammens. And as those first attacks failed to produce anything, United were given more and more opportunities to hit back. This time, though, they did so somewhat more cautiously, aware that this was a stage of the game when protecting their own goal was far more important. In the end, perhaps they were too cautious, and perhaps they would have been better off going for the goal that would have killed the game off. Instead, there was George's equaliser, followed by Sesko's response, and then that beauty from Maitland-Niles.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 3FridayIpswich – Liverpool 0-2 (0-2)/Isak 6, 9/SaturdayNewcastle – Bournemouth 2-2 (1-2)/Barnes 37, Ramsey 88 – Tavernier 9, Thiaw 35 og/Brentford – Sunderland 1-1 (0-0)/Janelt 57 – Le Fee 82 pen/Brighton – Leeds 1-1 (0-1)/Vuskovic 71 – Bogle 15/Fulham – Crystal Palace 2-3 (2-1)/King 11, Palacios 42 – Mitchell 35, 54, Chilwell 77/Manchester City – Coventry (1-0)/Haaland 26/Nottingham Forest – Tottenham 0-0Hull City – Aston Villa 0-0SundayEverton – Man.Utd. 2-2 (0-0)/George 83, Ainsley Maitland-Niles 90+6 – Mbeumo 46, Sesko 88/18.30: (1.75) Arsenal (3.60) Chelsea (4.90) ***odds are subject to change***
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