Everton player ratings and scores after the Premier League Summer Series friendly match against Manchester United
ECHO Everton reporter Chris Beesley has covered Everton and Liverpool both in the Premier League and abroad since 2005. He cut his teeth in professional sports journalism at the Ellesmere Port Pioneer and then the Welsh edition of the Daily Post, where he also covered Manchester United. Prior to that he worked on the student newspaper Pluto at the University of Central Lancashire, a role in which he first encountered David Moyes. Chris is well-known for his sartorial elegance and the aforementioned Scottish manager once enquired of him at a press conference: "Is that your dad's suit you've got on?" while the tradition continued in 2023 with new Blues boss Sean Dyche complimenting him on his smart appearance.
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after scoring Everton's first goal during the Premier League Summer Series match with Man United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after scoring Everton's first goal during the Premier League Summer Series match with Man United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
A gutsy display from Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta saw them come from behind twice against Manchester United and ensure they avoided a Premier League Summer Series whitewash.
Ruben Amorim’s side took the lead in controversial fashion when captain James Tarkowski, starting for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester City in April, was adjudged to have fouled Amad. The centre back put his arm across the United winger’s chest and referee Thomas Bramall pointed to the spot after he went to ground.
Bruno Fernandes sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way from 12 yards but David Moyes’ men restored parity late in the first half when Idrissa Gueye picked out Iliman Ndiaye at the back post and his fellow Senegal international coolly arrowed in a low shot.
United went back in front in the second half with a smart finish from substitute Mason Mount but Everton, who produced their most spirited performance of this USA trip, restored parity again when substitutes Tyler Onyango and Dwight McNeil combined to force a mix-up between Amad and Ayden Heaven with the latter putting the ball into his own net.
Jordan Pickford 7
Made an important save from Patrick Dorgu late on. Looked furious with his team-mates for failing to close down Mount for United’s second goal as he was unable to get near the shot. Was left flat-footed by Fernandes, who sent him the wrong way from the penalty spot, but also saved well from the opposition captain.
Jake O’Brien 7
Having switched to right-back, where he spent most of the second half of last season under Moyes, he looked a threat going forward. He picked out Beto for a disallowed goal, hit the post with a shot and should have done better with a headed chance. Was less convincing when out of possession.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Did really well to win back possession in the build-up to Everton’s equaliser and kept plugging away despite being up against the fleet-footed Amad.
James Tarkowski 7
Great to see him back in the starting line-up and lasted over an hour, defending well. Was hard done by over the penalty.
Michael Keane 7
Solid showing against the club where he started his career. He must realise Jarrad Branthwaite will be first choice when fit but he remains an experienced and competent understudy who can be depended on when needed.
Idrissa Gueye 7
Hit and miss from the veteran as he took a couple of wild swipes at the ball in the first half – earning ironic cheers from United fans – but came up trumps with a clever ball to pick out Ndiaye for the equaliser.
James Garner 7
Having scored the first Everton winning goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a free-kick against Port Vale, he went close to netting here in similar fashion, but was denied by Altay Bayindir. Industrious in the engine room.
Charly Alcaraz 6
Operating mostly on the right and cutting inside, he looked lively but almost too lively as his final act was to get in the way of a chance for Beto as the pair got mixed up in the United area.
Tim Iroegbunam 6
Given a big opportunity to shine in the old ‘Abdoulaye Doucoure’ role as Everton’s most advanced central midfielder, he pressed hard but needs to offer a bit more guile in that position.
Iliman Ndiaye 8
Coolly taken equaliser as he arrowed in a low shot at the back post to connect with Gueye’s cross and his purposeful dribbles were a threat for most of the game.
Beto 7
Most accomplished outing of the tour from Everton’s number nine, who has started in attack for all three games. He did well to put the ball in the United net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, and constantly looked a threat only to be denied another big chance when Alcaraz nicked the ball off him as he prepared to shoot.
Substitutes
Dwight McNeil (on 61 for Alcaraz) 7
Played a bizarre role in Everton’s second equaliser, getting a touch on Onyango’s cross for some kind of pre-assist before Amad and Ayden Heaven got in each other’s way for a calamitous own goal.
Adam Aznou (on 61 for Gueye) 6
Brought on for his Everton debut and was deployed in front of Mykolenko on the left of midfield and did not look out of place as he finds his feet.
Thierno Barry (on 61 for Beto) 6
Put himself about after coming on, roughing up Heaven with an elbow that perhaps put him off sufficiently to be caught in two minds when gifting Everton a goal.
Tyler Onyango (on 61 for Tarkowski) 7
A big moment for a player who was on loan at Stockport County last season, it was his run and cross that led to Everton pegging United back for a second time.
Harrison Armstrong (on 84 for Iroegbunam)
Late cameo.
Youssef Chermiti (on 84 for Ndiaye)
Ditto.