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 into a two-goal lead.
Beto broke the deadlock 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.
Both teams had chances to nick a winner and Everton felt aggrieved as VAR recommended 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 drag Ashley Young down but felt his side produced another impressive performance.
Everton were in a relegation scrap when Moyes returned to Goodison Park for his second spell in charge but have climbed to 12th under the former West Ham box, above Manchester United.
Asked if Everton let United back into the game, Moyes told TNT Sports: ‘I don’t think it was a much as what we were lacking in the second half, Bruno played well.
‘He dropped deeper and he got on the ball much more. We found that difficult to deal with.
‘I think it should have been more. We were 2-0 up and actually had a few chances to make it three.
‘That Bruno goal gave them the momentum. We were up against a good side.
‘I know they’re not doing too well but they’ve still got lots of quality. A point isn’t the worst result but it feels disappointing after being 2-0 up.’
Asked about the penalty controversy, Moyes added: ‘I’ve had a look at it and he undoubtedly pulls Ashley’s jersey. I thought the on-field decision looked correct, I was surprised it went to VAR.
‘When they go to VAR it’s very rare you’re going to get it you’re way. We’re not going to complain too much but the decision 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 guarantee their safety, saying: ‘You’d expect me to say that. We have to get more points.
‘But our recent results have been great and today was another good result.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Arsenal given major hope of signing £21m star
MORE: Mikel Arteta says key factor could help Arsenal in Premier League title race
MORE: Arsenal vs West Ham: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
