Everton and Manchester United have had some incredible battles over the years, but none more so than their meeting in April 2012.
Travelling to Old Trafford is always a daunting prospect, but none more so than when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge of Man United.
David Moyes’ Everton side made the short trip to Manchester one week on from their FA Cup semi final defeat against city rivals Liverpool and in search of a first win away against United in 20 years.
And although they didn’t get the three points, the Toffees played their role in a game that would alter the course of the Premier League title race.
Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (C) reacts at the final whistle after a 4-4 draw during the English Premier League football match ...
Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images
Everton and Man United serve up eight goal thriller
With just 10 minutes of the game to go on 22 April 2012, Everton were trailing 4-2 and looked like their terrible week was going to be compiled by more misery.
But this Everton side under Moyes didn’t know how to quit and instead, they mounted an incredible comeback which was arguable responsible for derailing United’s title aspirations.
Everton actually took the lead through striker Nikica Jelavic, who headed home from a Tony Hibbert cross.
Nikica Jelavic of Everton rises to score the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Tra...
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United didn’t enjoy that and responded with three goals before the hour mark as boyhood Blues fan Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and Nani all scored to make it 3-1.
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Marouane Fellaini reduced the deficit but not for long as Rooney then smashed the ball home to make it 4-2.
Refusing to give up with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Jelavic had his second of the game after a floated ball from Phil Neville to Fellaini caused all sorts of bother for the United backline, allowing the Croat to bag his second.
Steven Pienaar was one of the stars of the show that day and he was responsible for starting and finishing the goal that brought Everton level.
A backheeled pass into Tim Cahill, who offloaded to Neville then found the feet of Fellaini, who composed himself, before laying the ball back into the path of the onrushing Pienaar to poke home and equalise.
Sir Alex Ferguson in ‘state of shock’ after Man United collapse
The result was arguably the turning point in the title race as Manchester City subsequently went on to win the Premier League in the dying seconds on the final day of the season.
Looking back now, Ferguson will agree that it was a spectacle and a half to be involved, but at the time, he couldn’t believe his side had thrown away a two-goal lead.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “A throw‑away, an absolute giveaway. I can’t believe it.
“We just needed to see the game out and it was a travesty as some of our football was fantastic.
“To give away four goals in a game at Old Trafford in a game that was so important. You just can’t believe it.”
Just a little over a year later, Ferguson would retire from his role as a manager and be replaced by Moyes. Maybe that was the game that convinced Sir Alex.
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