From title heartbreak to De Gea heroics: The four wildest Man United vs Everton battles

Manchester United will face Everton in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Both sides arrive refreshed after an unexpected free weekend following their early FA Cup exits.

The Red Devils and the Toffees boast rich histories steeped in drama, tradition and unforgettable battles stretching back decades.

Ahead of their latest meeting, we revisit some of the most thrilling clashes that have defined this rivalry over the years.

Everton 3-4 Man United, February 2004

Goodison Park witnessed a breathtaking seven-goal spectacle packed with momentum swings and late drama.

United stormed out of the blocks and completely dominated the early proceedings, racing into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes.

Everton were booed off at the break but they returned with a fighting spirit and battled their way back to 3-3.

Ruud van Nistelrooy netted his 101st goal for United in the 89th minute to ensure his side took the three points.

Everton 2-4 Man United, April 2007

The Red Devils were on course to lift another Premier League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson but found themselves 2-0 down before the hour mark.

Champions always find ways to come back and that is exactly what United did.

John O’Shea sparked belief with a crucial goal before Phil Neville’s unfortunate own goal flipped the momentum entirely.

Wayne Rooney then punished his former club, and Chris Eagles sealed a famous comeback that silenced the home crowd.

Man United 4-4 Everton, April 2012

Few matches in Premier League history carried such devastating consequences.

United recovered from an early setback to lead 3-1 through goals from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Danny Welbeck.

After Marouane Fellaini pulled one back, Rooney struck again to make it 4-2, seemingly putting the contest to bed with only minutes remaining.

Yet Everton produced a stunning late surge, scoring twice in quick succession to snatch a dramatic draw and send shockwaves through the title race.

Manchester City eventually won the league on goal difference in the most dramatic finish the competition has ever seen.

Man United 2-1 Everton, October 2014

Angel Di Maria gave the lead to the hosts with a thumping finish after a superb lay-off from Juan Mata.

Everton were handed a lifeline just before half-time, but David de Gea produced a heroic penalty save from Leighton Baines, diving sharply to his right to preserve the advantage.

Baines responded brilliantly in open play, delivering a pinpoint cross for Steven Naismith to head home the equaliser.

Radamel Falcao then pounced from close range to score his first Premier League goal for United.

De Gea was not finished. He denied Leon Osman late on and then produced a breathtaking stoppage-time save from Bryan Oviedo to secure victory.

That performance proved to be a turning point in his United career.

From that night onward, De Gea established himself as the club’s most indispensable figure in the post-Ferguson era.

(Also read: Best Man Utd Games of All Time: 15 Greatest Manchester United Matches Ranked)

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .