When he returned to Goodison, David Moyes promised to bring back the excitement, but he had no idea it would be precisely this way.
After leading by two goals, losing by two goals… Nevertheless, after watching the film, referee Andy Madley disallowed an Everton penalty in the final six extra minutes.
Moyes’ hair would have turned gray by now if it hadn’t already when he returned to his position as Goodison’s manager.
The Toffees had a commanding lead at the break thanks to goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure that could have easily doubled their lead.
However, the entire situation changed when Alejandro Garnacho was substituted on from the bench for the last, desperate thirty minutes by Ruben Amorim, and United managed to rally back.
United managed to grab a draw that never seemed conceivable thanks to a spectacular free kick from Bruno Fernandes and an equally spectacular edge-of-the-box effort from Manuel Ugarte.
A minute later, Everton believed they had been given a fantastic opportunity to win it a second time, but it was taken away.
After ninety-five minutes, Ashley Young tumbled under Matthijs De Ligt’s challenge after Idrissa Gana Gueye sent in a low drive. Andre Onana then forced it back into play.
Even though referee Madley was certain that the Dutchman had touched Young’s jersey, the official miraculously changed his mind after sending him to the monitor for a second look.
Everton was furious, and United got away with it. and Goodison was left wondering how Moyes had not exacted retribution on the team that had fired him eleven years prior.
On minute 19, Beto put Everton ahead, making United pay for their pathetic efforts to clear Jack Harrison’s corner.
Then, when Onana stopped Jack Harrison’s point-blank drive, Doucoure increased the lead by pushing Harry Maguire aside to nod in.
Despite being on the canvas, United managed to get back up when everyone was anticipating a knockout victory.
A fiery free kick was attempted by first captain Fernandes, but goalie Jordan Pickford’s first move to the right prevented him from getting to it.
Ten minutes from the end, Beto headed another Fernandes free kick clear, but Ugarte smashed it back with interest.
Everton thought they would at least make amends from the spot in that incredible, jaw-dropping finsh, but they were startled into silence when they threw it away.
However, referee Madley made a different decision.