Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a dream stoppage-time equaliser on his Everton debut to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester United and lift the mood at the end of a difficult week.
Deadline day ended in disappointment for fans of both clubs but the Toffees’ inaction was particularly concerning given Tuesday’s botched business left them with a threadbare squad to tackle the Premier League and an unhappy manager.
David Moyes admitted he had “to live with disappointments” and called for Everton players to “muck in”, but Sunday looked set to end in further frustration after substitute Benjamin Sesko’s 88th-minute header put United on course for a late victory.
Tyrique George’s thunderous strike had cancelled out a fine Bryan Mbeumo effort moments earlier but the Slovenia international would not prove United’s match-winning substitute for the second time at Hill Dickinson Stadium this year. Instead, deadline-day acquisition Maitland-Niles came off the bench to rifle home from distance to snatch a dramatic late point and spark bedlam.
Relive all the action from the Premier League clash with our live blog below:
Everton v Man United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Everton grab dramatic late 2-2 draw with Man United after thrilling second half
- 90+6' - GOAL! Maitland-Niles stunner on debut snatches Everton late point [EVE 2-2 MUN]
- 87' - GOAL! Sesko heads in late goal to put United back ahead [EVE 1-2 MUN]
- 83' - GOAL! George thunders home superb equaliser for Everton [EVE 1-1 MUN]
- 46' - GOAL! Mbeumo scores wonderful solo effort at start of second half [EVE 0-1 MUN]
- 8' - CROSSBAR! Fernandes volley clatters the woodwork [EVE 0-0 MUN]
'Maitland-Niles was worth the wait for Everton fans'
16:45 , Luke Baker
Here’s the Sky Sports pundit panel analysing Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ late equaliser
"Evertonians have been crying all summer for a right-back and it's finally been worth the wait" 🙌
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
The Super Sunday panel analyse Ainsley Maitland-Niles' equaliser against Man Utd 🔍 pic.twitter.com/a2aERW2Zy0
Arsenal face Chelsea
16:33 , Luke Baker
As ever, things move quickly in the Premier League. We’re straight on to the next game as reigning champions Arsenal host high-flying Chelsea in a potential title race clash?
That game has just got underway and you can follow here:
Arsenal v Chelsea LIVE: Team news and latest updates from Premier League
WATCH: Maitland-Niles' stunning late equaliser
16:26 , Luke Baker
Here’s that moment where Ainsley Maitland-Niles snatched a point. A stunning strike
"That is something SPECIAL!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
Ainsley Maitland-Niles earns a draw for Everton on his debut with an unbelievable 96th minute strike! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/HNdx9PxrUP
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
16:21 , Chris Wilson
Her are some of the photos from that Maitland-Niles equaliser...
Maitland-Niles: 'It felt like a win'
16:16 , Chris Wilson
“It felt like a win. We dug deep and managed to get a point in the end. The crowd were with us and we were fighting to the end and that's why you get those results,” says Maitland-Niles on Sky after the full-time whistle.
“It's amazing, everyone wants to start off like that and thankfully I did. The ball fell to me on the edge of the box, I put my foot through it and it ended up in the top corner which I'm happy about.
“I came in to work hard. It's a team full of hard-workers so I fit right in. I'm going to show I can fit right in and pull my weight and give as much as everyone else, if not more,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
16:12 , Chris Wilson
“The point gives you a massive lift if you're Everton. There are players out there capable of living with the best teams. They will battle, and they will work with each other,” says former Everton winger pat Nevin on BBC 5 Live.
“In the end, there are going to be injuries. Can you imagine if Jack Grealish picks up another injury? He came on and completely changed the game,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
16:08 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
16:04 , Chris Wilson
Two points dropped for Man Utd in what was another disappointing showing in reality. Michael Carrick’s changes were surprising and though Sesko made sense as he scored, the visitors ultimately paid the price in what was a pedestrian performance.
As for Everton, that result will raise the mood on Merseyside, and there’ll be hope that more can be achieved once their summer signings are fit. Grealish in particular was impressive after coming on.
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
16:01 , Chris Wilson
“It is beautiful, as soon as he hit it it was going in, what a finish to this game and the 'keeper had no chance,” says Lee Hendrie on Sky as the game ends.
What a finish, and a great point for Everton.
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
15:59 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the reaction to that late equaliser from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson!
Astonishing from Everton. Two wonder goals from summer signings. Perhaps they didn't need Folarin Balogun after all.
FULL-TIME! Everton 2-2 Man Utd
15:59 , Chris Wilson
That goal is pretty much the final kick of the game! What a way to finish, and a debut to remember for Maitland-Niles.
It’s honours even at the Hill Dickinson after a far more entertaining second half, with the hosts ecstatic and the visitors almost in disbelief!
GOAL! Everton 2-2 Man Utd (Maitland-Niles, 90 +5')
15:57 , Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
GOAL! It’s a goal of the season contender for the equaliser!
Everton launch a final attack and there’s pinball in the box. Mazraoui thinks he has cleared it but Maitland-Niles latches onto it and curls an unstoppable equaliser past Lammens for 2-2!
That was a ridiculous goal for the Toffees!
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:55 , Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Yoro heads the corner away and it’s booted clear...
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:55 , Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Dewsbury-Hall sees his cross deflected behind, and Everton win a late corner...
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:54 , Chris Wilson
90 +3 mins
It’s Everton in possession as we enter the final few minutes, though the last few ventures into the United half have come to nothing.
Hackmey is the latest to take an effort after Grealish’s cross, but he blazes it over!
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:52 , Chris Wilson
90 +2 mins
George almost finds an equaliser in a similar way but he fires wide before the flag goes up for offside.
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:51 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time here as Grealish sees his shot from range blocked.
The visitors make a defensive change as Shaw makes way for Noussair Mazraoui.
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
15:50 , Chris Wilson
Here’s reaction to that second goal for United, from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson:
Benjamin Sesko spent some of last season as Manchester United's super-sub. Now he may be again.
GOAL! Everton 1-2 Man Utd (Sesko, 88')
15:49 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
GOAL! Sesko puts the visitors ahead again!
It’s a well-worked goal for United, with Fernandes collecting the ball on the wing before sliding it into the path of Shaw, who overlapped well.
The left-back clips a perfect cross to Sesko in the middle of the box, and the striker arrows a header down towards goal, with Pickford just about unable to keep it out!
Everton 1-1 Man Utd
15:46 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
Fernandes swings in a cross and Sesko takes a speculative header, but it flies well wide.
Everton 1-1 Man Utd
15:45 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
Dalot and Mainoo have come off for Leny Yoro and Andrey Santos as Man Utd look to reply.
GOAL! Everton 1-1 Man Utd (George, 83')
15:44 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
GOAL! What a finish this is to equalise!
Everton are level thanks to Tyrique George, who received the pass from Hackney on the right before getting it out of his feet and rifling a superb near-post finish past a scrambling Lammens!
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:42 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Now Dalot is booked as he drags back Grealish. The hosts have a free-kick on the left wing, in a dangerous area.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:41 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
Fernandes stayed out for a frankly stupid amount of time as Everton played on, and he’ll need treatment. He’ll also have to come off for at least a minute.
Elsewhere, Maguire is booked for his protestations after the challenge.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:38 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Here’s the latest from Richard Jolly as Garner is replaced...
And now Garner goes off after about a minute at right-back so Maitland-Niles comes on...
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:36 , Chris Wilson
76 mins
James Garner has just gone into right-back but he’s down immediately. It was off the ball too, so he might have a problem here...
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:36 , Chris Wilson
The latest from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson:
Interesting as Merlin Rohl goes off, after a difficult afternoon, and the replacement is not the new right-back, Ainsley Maitland-Niles. It looks like James Garner has dropped into the defence.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:35 , Chris Wilson
74 mins
A sub for Everton as Hayden Hackney replaces Rohl.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:34 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
A long throw comes in from the left and the ball drops for Dewsbury-Hall. He makes good contact but it bounces off Armstrong.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:32 , Chris Wilson
71 mins
Everton have a free-kick from deep but it’s eventually headed back to Lammens. United don’t look to counter though, with Mainoo, Maguire and Tielemans knocking it around near halfway before Maguire’s intended pass to Sesko is a poor one.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:30 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
Subs for Man Utd now too, with Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu coming on for Rashford and Cunha. Perhaps a puzzling set of changes, or at least the Rashford one for sure.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:28 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
A well-worked corner routine from the hosts sees Dewsbury-Hall side-foot an effort too close to Lammens.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:27 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the latest from Richard Jolly on Merseyside:
The second coming of Jack Grealish. If Everton need him to raise morale, after their depressing deadline day, they also need him to provide the creativity the sold Iliman Ndiaye used to offer.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:27 , Chris Wilson
66 mins
The first sub of the day for Everton as Jack Grealish comes on for Brennan Johnson.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:26 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
Another opening for United sees Tarkowski make a good block from Tielemans’ long-range effort.
Fernandes clips in the corner but Shaw can only direct a volley wide on the turn.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:25 , Chris Wilson
63 mins
Rohl is the latest player to go into the book as he drags down Rashford. United have a free-kick around 35 yards, but it ends with Fernandes rifling over on the volley.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:23 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
CHANCE! WHAT a tackle this is!
It’s a great chance for United, with Rashford making a brilliant run to skip past the defenders before laying it off to Cunha.
He looks set for a tap-in into a near-open goal, but Tarkowski slides in from behind to prevent the Brazilian taking the shot!
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:21 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson:
Everton have shown plenty of attacking intent since going behind. Whether they have the incision is another matter. This is when missing out on Balogun could cost them. We are approaching the time in games when David Moyes would offer swap strikers, bringing Beto on for Barry or vice versa. Now he only has one striker in his squad.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:21 , Chris Wilson
59 mins
CHANCE!
Lovely stuff from Barry as he skips past Martinez with great skill before Shaw’s superb challenge stops him getting the shot away.
It rebounds to Dewsbury-Hall, but his effort is tame and right at Lammens.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:20 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
United counter from the Everton corner but Tielemans puts too much on the ball to Mbeumo. At the other end, Johnson fails to pick out Barry!
It’s become end-to-end at the Hill Dickinson!
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:19 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
It’s almost an Everton counter that provides the next goal though, with a loose ball eventually slid across to Johnson. He lines up the shot and it takes a deflection off Shaw before narrowly flying over the bar.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:17 , Chris Wilson
56 mins
Mbeumo heads the corner clear but United can’t construct a counter as Rashford’s pass doesn’t find a teammate. Everton will need no reminding that the visitors can be devastating on the counter.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:15 , Chris Wilson
54 mins
Now it’s the visitors who are happy to sit off when Everton have the ball in their half. The hosts are knocking it around well though, and their first foray forward ends with Shaw needing a good block to stop Armstrong’s shot, before Dalot slides in on George and concedes a corner.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:13 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
Both sides creating some brief openings in the moments after the opener, but it’s calmed down a bit now.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:11 , Chris Wilson
The latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson after the opening goal:
One shot on target in the first half from United, one in the second after a minute. And a goal, too, with Bryan Mbeumo rewarded for making a direct run.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:11 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
Better from Everton, as Dewsbury-Hall finds Mykolenko’s overlapping run. He has the space to shoot but his low effort is straight at Lammens.
Everton 0-1 Man Utd
15:10 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
Half a chance for United almost right away, with Fernandes just unable to find Rashford in the box as the visitors broke.
At the other end, an inviting cross into the United box makes it past all of the Everton attackers.
GOAL! Everton 0-1 Man Utd (Mbeumo, 46')
15:09 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
GOAL! What a start to the half for the visitors!
It’s a superb solo goal from Mbeumo. He picks the ball up on the left wing, hugging the touchline, and he drives in between two defenders, skipping a challenge before getting to the edge of the box and wrapping a low finish into the far corner!
United get a reward for some more direct play.
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
15:06 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway in the second half!
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
15:03 , Chris Wilson
Neither side managed to play ‘well’ in that first half but both managed to create chances, though not many.
That will give them encouragement ahead of the second half, though as Jamie Carragher pointed out on Sky just now, the visitors will be the favourites to taje home three points.
Man Utd have been too pedestrian at times though, and if they do so again then Everton can take advantage at any moment.
We’ll be back underway soon at the Hill Dickinson.
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:59 , Chris Wilson
Here are the half-time thoughts of Richard Jolly from the Hill Dickinson:
Manchester United have had a lot of possesion, territory and pressure this half but not enough clear-cut chances. Or goals.
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:51 , Chris Wilson
That’s the last action of the first half at the Hill Dickinson. It’s been a little pedestrian and stop-start at times but both sides have had chances, and either could have been ahead at the break.
It’s set to be an interesting second half on Merseyside.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:50 , Chris Wilson
45+3 mins
A counter-attack from the visitors sees Cunha try to slide a through ball into the path of Rashford, but Branthwaite manages to slide in.
The ball rebounds out to Fernandes, who tries to bend an effort into the far corner, but once again Branthwaite is there to head clear!
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:48 , Chris Wilson
45 +1 mins
Some late worries for United as George skips away from Dalot but Mbeumo gets to the cross. He finds Cunha but he takes an awful touch and loses out to Dewsbury-Hall.
Moments later, there’s some pinball in the box before it drops to Branthwaite, but he can only fire it straight at Lammens.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:46 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
United have possession around the Everton box but again it’s just not clicking so far, before it breaks down and Tarkowski clears.
There’ll be three minutes of added time.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:45 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
CHANCE!
Rohl swings it into the box and Barry is arriving at the far post. He rises to connect with the header about eight yars out but he can only direct it wide!
Everton’s best chance so far, and one that Barry may feel he should have scored. He almost looked like he didn’t expect it to get to him!
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:42 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
Both sides see an attack break down due to a poor pass, with United having two in as many minutes. They still haven’t managed to pile the pressure onto the hosts.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:41 , Chris Wilson
39 mins
Everton have enjoyed a bit of sustained possession but it’s mainly in their own half before George wins a free-kick on the left wing, just inside the United half.
Garner lumps it into the box from deep but it’s headed harmlessly wide by Barry.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:39 , Chris Wilson
36 mins
Rashford does well again as he skips past Mykolenko into the box, but Tarkowski is covering at the expense of a corner. The delivery is a poor one though, and it goes out of play on the other side.
United getting joy down the left
14:37 , Chris Wilson
The latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson this afternoon:
United have had quite a bit of joy on their left flank where Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have teamed up well. They have been helped by the reality Everton's right-back isn't a right-back - Merlin Rohl is a midfielder by trade - and their right winger hasn't always tracked back. And then when he did, Brennan Johnson got booked.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:36 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
Brennan Johnson goes into the book as he scythes down Cunha on the left wing. United have a free-kick right on the edge of the box, near the goal line, but it’s easily cleared by the hosts.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:34 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
It’s all very pedestrian at the moment when United have the ball. Everton are in no rush to press them when the defenders have possession, and there aren’t a lot of openings.
Another attack breaks down as Dalot is shrugged off the ball and Tarkowski clears.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:32 , Chris Wilson
29 mins
There are audible Mainoo chants from the away fans, not for the first time today. The United man looks comfortable again so far.
Rashford is another who’s been encouraging so far, and the England winger fizzes in a brilliant cross but there’s no one there to take a gamble, and Branthwaite does well to read it and clear.
An xG of 0.01 for Everton so far is indicative of their performance, though the visitors only have a 0.29 themselves. Not a lot of openings so far.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:29 , Chris Wilson
27 mins
Everton have won the ball in dangerous areas but on each occasion they haven’t been creative or brave enough in attack to make anything of it yet. We’re not quite seeing frustration from the home fans but their team needs to get Barry into this game.
They almost do too, though Martinez makes a good defensive header to stop him getting on the end of a cross in the area.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:26 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
There’s another promising opening for United as Rashford finds space down the left, but there’s a good last-ditch challenge to stop Fernandes from taking a first-time shot as he arrives in the area.
'Everton are not as solid as the classic Moyes teams'
14:25 , Chris Wilson
The thoughts of Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson this afternoon:
The long-range shots from Tielemans and Fernandes are a sign Everton are not as solid as the classic Moyes teams in the centre of midfield. Which, in turn, reflects the absence of a genuine defensive midfielder, as they wait for summer signing Christian Norgaard to be fit.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:25 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
Everton look to have a promising counter but the visitors get men back quickly before the hosts concede a soft free-kick.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:23 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
CHANCE!
The corner is headed away and Dalot meets it with a volley. He gets a great connection on it but it’s blocked before the hosts cushion a header back to Pickford.
United win possession back very quickly though, with Mbeumo firing a lovely diagonal pass to Rashford on the left wing. He manages to get away from his man and cut back a cross, though Cunha meets it and side-foots over the bar. He’ll feel he sould have hit the target at least.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:21 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
Cunha is the latest to try his luck from distance, but it cannons back off an Everton defender. He really should have passed there.
More possession from United though, and the visitors have finally settled somewhat as Fernandes sees a shot deflected behind for a corner.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:20 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
A laboured United attack ends with Tielemans firing straight at Pickford from range. Never troubling the England ‘keeper.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:19 , Chris Wilson
16 mins
Man Utd haven’t been able to string together an attack since Fernandes hit the bar, though Everton have failed to threaten so far.
The visitors are keeping the ball well in the middle of the park but the attack hasn’t quite clicked yet.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:17 , Chris Wilson
The latest from Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Hill Dickinson:
Armstrong booked for using too much arm strength on Bruno Fernandes there. Nominative determinism.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:15 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Everton want a booking for Dalot after the United defender stops a counter, but all he gets is a word from the ref. There was a clear pull there.
It’s been fairly stop-start early on, with neither side able to settle into a rhythm so far.
But we do see a yellow card eventually, with Armstrong dragging down Fernandes on the counter! You can imagine how home fans feel about that one.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:11 , Chris Wilson
9 mins
At the other end, Everton want a penalty as Barry throws himself to the ground after contact from Martinez, but the Man Utd man got there first and fairly.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:11 , Chris Wilson
8 mins
OFF THE BAR!
Until now that is!
The first real chance of the game sees Shaw clip a cross to Mbeumo. He heads it across to Fernandes, who fires a near-perfect volley that ricochets back off the bar!
So close to an opener for the visitors.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:09 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
Not a lot of threat from either side early on as Maguire returns to the pitch.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:06 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
Maguire requires a fair bit of treatment but he’ll be fine to carry on - after spending a minute on the sideline.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:04 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
The first incident of the game sees Harry Maguire and Thierno Barry collide in mid-air, with the Everton man seemingly hitting the United defender in the face.
He’s down but he’ll be fine to carry on.
Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:02 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the latest from Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson:
The biggest cheer when the Everton team was announced was reserved for Harrison Armstrong, a week after the owners had to halt his sale to Nottingham Forest following opposition from the fans
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-0 Man Utd
14:01 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway on Merseyside! What sort of performance will these sides put together this afternoon?
Everton v Man United LIVE
13:57 , Chris Wilson
Both sides are out on the pitch at the Hill Dickinson, so we’ll be underway soon!
Moyes: 'Now it is all about the football'
13:56 , Chris Wilson
"We are looking forward to see how he [Johnson] does and performs, we know what he is capable of in recent seasons and hopefully he can bring his goals and assists that we saw at Tottenham,” says Everton boss David Moyes on Sky.
"We've needed him [Grealish], but he is not where he should be fitness wise yet.
"That [outside noise[ has all gone now and now it is all about the football and performing as that is what people are coming to see, so we will do everything we can to perform as we have done in the opening weeks of the season,” he added.
Everton v Man United LIVE
13:52 , Chris Wilson
Carrick: 'We can use what we feel is right'
13:46 , Chris Wilson
“They [Tielemans and Mainoo] will bring quality - they are both very different players, so we are fortunate to have a good midfield to choose from and in certain times in certain games we can use what we feel is right,” said Man Utd manager Michael Carrick on Sky Sports in the lead-up to kick-off.
“We did a lot of good things [against Ipswich], but no two games are ever the same, so we know we have different challenges today, so we need to be ready for that and maybe some slightly different ideas.
"But the boys did well last week and everybody trained well this week, so we are looking forward to the game,” he added.
Martinez: 'This is the standard we have to keep'
13:40 , Chris Wilson
“We did not show the best of us in the first game [at Hull], then against Ipswich we played much better as a team and this is the standard we have to keep,” said Lisandro Martinez on Sky Sports in the lead-up to kick-off.
"We have to be as compact as possible, sometimes being high in the pitch will help our midfielders and defensive players, so it is important to be compact as a team, winning the duels and being focussed and alert the whole game will help a lot,” he added.
Everton bring back Grealish
13:41 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
Everton have just introduced Jack Grealish to the crowd. Or maybe reintroduced, given that he was here last year.
What is going on at Everton?
13:35 , Chris Wilson
It’s been another chastening summer window for the Toffees, who have been accused of lacking ambition after the exit of Iliman Ndiaye and the failure to notably improve the squad.
The club pulled out of negotiations over Harrison Armstrong after notable backlash from fans, though manager David Moyes continued to lament the club’s efforts in the market.
Jamie Carragher called the Toffees “the worst run club in the Premier League” recently, and that was on show on the final day of the window as a deal for Folarin Balogun broke down.
While they should be safe from relegation, it’s a disappointing situation for one of the country’s biggest clubs, and it feels like more fan discontent will come before the situation improves.
Man Utd's realistic expectations
13:30 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United went through a mixed transfer window that ended with positive midfield reinforcements but a lack of arrivals in other key areas, with left-back the most obvious.
And while the club’s third-placed finish and great run of form at the end of last season has raised expectations in some quarters, this still feels like a team that has plenty of room to develop.
The loss against Hull might be seen as a blip by some in the United hierarchy but it did show some worrying signs (albeit with a much-changed and experimental starting XI), and while the 5-2 win over Ipswich got them back on track, the same worries were again evident at Old Trafford last week.
Carrick’s side still concede far too many good chances, and while this is not the fault of the defenders themselves, it is a problem that would in part be solved by having better personnel in defence.
At the other end of the pitch, the Red Devils can sometimes struggle in breaking down teams who sit back, with Everton potentially providing a test in that regard this afternoon.
Ultimately, these factors are what will limit the side this season, and a top-four finish and a cup run feels like the realistic expectation this year.
Another chance for Marcus Rashford
13:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Marcus Rashford may not have got the goals against Ipswich but Manchester United looked a better side with him in it. It’s still not clear what his best role is in the frontline, and the time may come for Benjamin Sesko’s size and stature, but Rashford will be keen to make the most of this second chance at the club. Harry Maguire spoke well last weekend over the criticism that Rashford (and he) had copped, and how difficult that had made things at time – yet each now looks a figure of real importance again.
Jack Grealish set for use off the bench
13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There’s plenty of quality in that Everton side but you do feel it is perhaps lacking a little bit of creativity and spark. Surely David Moyes won’t wait too long to throw Jack Grealish back into the fray.
It’s nice to see Harrison Armstrong involved. The homegrown product was very nearly sold to Nottingham Forest this summer but the move was called off after a backlash from fans.
'There will be eyes on the Everton bench'
13:15 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the reaction to that team news from Richard Jolly, who is in place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
An unchanged Manchester United side after the 5-2 win over Ipswich, but one notable difference as Mason Mount, injured in pre-season is back on the bench.
There will be eyes on the Everton bench, too, with the re-signed Jack Grealish and the other deadline-day addition Ainsley Maitland-Niles among the substitutes.
But there is no Folarin Balogun, of course, and it will be interesting to see how the Everton faithful react after their deadline-day misadventures.
Michael Carrick knows his side are in for a tough test
13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Michael Carrick says Everton has always been a tough trip “whatever state they’re in” and expects no different as Manchester United head to a side reeling from deadline-day disappointment.
“To be honest, however long I’ve been going to Everton – and I know it was Goodison (Park) before – every single game has been as tough as they come,” the Red Devils head coach said.
“We’ve had some good results, we’ve had some not-so-good results and last year epitomises kind of how hard it was and how much we had to give to get the result.
“Whatever position they’re in, wherever they are in the league, historically whenever I’ve gone there it’s been tough, whatever state they’re in.
“David’s a terrific manager. They’ve got a good squad, they’ve got some talent in that group and some very, very good attacking players as well, so we’re expecting as tough a game as it gets and we’ll prepare for that.”
David Moyes urges small squad to 'muck in' after transfer failure
13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
David Moyes is looking for his Everton players to “muck in” and cover for the shortages in his squad after a frustrating end to the transfer window.
Moyes has only 18 outfield players in his squad after a deadline day move for Folarin Balogun collapsed to cap a summer window in which Everton saw some key figures leave with not enough done to replace them.
There are shortages in attack and at full-back which could see players asked to play in unfamiliar roles, but Moyes wants players to see it as an opportunity.
“They’re all going to have to be able to muck in,” Moyes said. “We’ve got a really small squad now. Sometimes it gives people opportunities who maybe haven’t had them.
“When you get those opportunities in football, sometimes you need to be given the chance to show what you can do.
“So let’s see if some of them can do that. But let’s be fair, they showed last year, getting so close, being where they were as a team, so I’ve got no concerns about that really. I’m sure they’ll be fully at it.”
Team news – Manchester United
12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Manchester United are unchanged from the win over Ipswich.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Rashford.
🔴 The Reds are unchanged from last week's win over Ipswich 👊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 6, 2026
Team news – Everton
12:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jack Grealish is left on the bench for Everton along with fellow new signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Thierno Barry leads the line.
Everton XI: Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mylokenko; Garner, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall; Johnson, George; Barry.
Team news on the way...
12:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, it won’t be long now until the teams are in at the Hill Dickinson. Does Jack Grealish come straight in to start for Everton?
Rating every Premier League club’s transfer window after record deadline day
12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How did we rate Manchester United’s transfer business? Well, you can find out with each and every Premier League team’s window assessed in one handy catch-all guide.
Rating every Premier League club’s transfer window after record deadline day
Michael Carrick explains why Man United can win the Premier League despite key difference to rivals
12:20 , Richard Jolly
Michael Carrick has insisted that Manchester United can compete with their Premier League rivals in the title race – despite being outspent to a dramatic degree.
United bought three midfielders this summer for an initial cost of £148m but Manchester City’s outlay was about three times as much, including the joint British record signing of Enzo Fernandez for £125m, and Chelsea paid out more than £300m, with a £117m deal for Morgan Rogers.
But Carrick believes money is no guarantee of success on the pitch and takes heart from his belief his squad is stronger than they were last season, when they took the most points after his January return to Old Trafford.
Carrick explains why Man Utd can win title despite key difference to rivals
Inside the reality of Man United’s budget rebuild – and the question it asks of Michael Carrick
12:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A host of factors coalesced for United to finish the transfer window having been outspent by their rivals, despite the need to upgrade, writes Richard Jolly. It may force Carrick to adapt, challenging a relatively unproven coach to improve the players at his disposal,
Inside the reality of Man United’s budget rebuild
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
