Manchester United U18s were held to a 4-4 draw by Everton at Finch Farm in the U18 Premier League on Saturday morning.
Forward Gabriel Biancheri missed the chance to open the scoring for United in the 14th minute as the woodwork prevented his curling effort from going in.
Midfielder Ray Roberts fired the ball into the bottom corner to give Everton the lead in the 23rd minute.
United’s search for an equaliser was dealt a blow on 34 minutes as midfielder Jacob Devaney had to come off due to an injury. Shea Lacey replaced him.
A minute later, midfielder Jim Thwaites scored for United with a brilliant free-kick to level the scoreline.
Three minutes before half-time, United went ahead through forward Victor Musa, whose strike could not be kept out by the goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks.
Everton drew level after George Finney’s cross was deflected into the net.
The Red Devils reclaimed their lead in the 59th minute, with Biancheri applying the finishing touch to an initial effort from Samuel Lusale.
Man United’s lead was short-lived as Everton restored parity after midfielder Malik Olayiwola intercepted goalkeeper Will Murdock’s pass.
Olayiwola struck again to give the Toffees the lead for the second time in the game, tapping the ball into the net from a rebound.
Substitute Shea Lacey snatched a late equaliser for United, poking the ball home from a tight angle to rescue the away side from the jaws of defeat.
However, with table-toppers Manchester City securing a hard-fought 4-3 win over Derby County, Man United cannot retain the title.
They trail the Cityzens by seven points heading into the last matchday, although they have played one game less than their local rivals.
