Everton boss David Moyes singled out Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for praise after the entertaining draw at Goodison Park.
United looked set to suffer their fourth defeat in five league games on Saturday afternoon as Everton raced right into a two-goal lead.
Beto broke the deadlock together with his fifth goal in as many games following some shambolic Manchester United defending, before Abdoulaye Doucoure headed Everton two goals ahead.
Bruno Fernandes’ superb 72nd-minute free-kick turned the momentum in United’s favour and the visitors scored an equaliser ten minutes from time through Manuel Ugarte.
Each teams had possibilities to nick a winner and Everton felt aggrieved as VAR really helpful referee Andrew Madley overturn his on-field decision after awarding the hosts a penalty in injury-time.
Moyes was surprised VAR intervened after Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt appeared to tug Ashley Young down but felt his side produced one other impressive performance.
Everton were in a relegation scrap when Moyes returned to Goodison Park for his second spell in charge but have climbed to twelfth under the previous West Ham box, above Manchester United.
Asked if Everton let United back into the sport, Moyes told TNT Sports: ‘I don’t think it was a much as what we were lacking within the second half, Bruno played well.
‘He dropped deeper and he got on the ball rather more. We found that difficult to cope with.
‘I feel it must have been more. We were 2-0 up and truly had just a few possibilities to make it three.
‘That Bruno goal gave them the momentum. We were up against a great side.
‘I do know they’re not doing too well but they’ve still got a number of quality. Some extent isn’t the worst result however it feels disappointing after being 2-0 up.’
Asked in regards to the penalty controversy, Moyes added: ‘I’ve had a have a look at it and he undoubtedly pulls Ashley’s jersey. I believed the on-field decision looked correct, I used to be surprised it went to VAR.
‘After they go to VAR it’s very rare you’re going to get it you’re way. We’re not going to complain an excessive amount of but the choice didn’t go for us.’
Everton were sitting six places and 13 points above the relegation zone ahead of the remaining weekend Premier League fixtures.
But Moyes insists his Everton team still need ‘more points’ to ensure their safety, saying: ‘You’d expect me to say that. Now we have to get more points.
‘But our recent results have been great and today was one other good result.’
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