Fernandes inspires Man Utd fightback for Everton draw

Bruno Fernandes inspired a Manchester United rally from two goals down to avoid another damaging defeat for Ruben Amorim in a 2-2 draw at Everton on Saturday.

United were headed for a ninth defeat in their last 13 league games as goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure put the Toffees 2-0 up inside 33 minutes.

The visitors had not mustered a shot on target until Fernandes’ free-kick pulled a goal back 18 minutes from time before Manuel Ugarte’s equaliser salvaged a point for United.

More late drama was to come as Everton were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, only for referee Andy Madley to overturn his decision after a VAR review.

A point edges Everton up to 12th, while United remain in 15th.

“We start the game too late,” said Fernandes.

“Every time we concede a goal and are down it is the only time we start to take a little bit more risk and pass forward.

“We need to start games like that because we are in a situation where we need to win games and create chances to score goals.”

Everton were in a battle for survival when David Moyes returned for his second spell in charge last month, but they have taken 14 points from a possible 18 in their last six games to ensure their 71-year stay in the top flight will not come to an end.

“I know they’re not in a great position but we’re still up against a side who have a tradition of winning games and being very successful,” said Moyes. “So getting a point today is not the worst result, but it feels disappointing after being 2-0 up.”

Amorim conceded before the game that Moyes, who himself was sacked after less than a season in charge of United in 2014, was doing a better job than he has managed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in November.

When the sides last met in Amorim’s