Everton captain Séamus Coleman has turned down a move to Sheffield United, while a dramatic late equalizer from Ainsley Maitland-Niles secured a Premier League point against Manchester United. The club's mixed week also featured ongoing concerns about a thin squad following a frustrating transfer window.
Why did Séamus Coleman reject Sheffield United?
Séamus Coleman confirmed he rejected an offer from Championship side Sheffield United after ending his 17-year stay at Everton. The 37-year-old full-back told The 42's Stick to Football podcast that he was contacted by the Blades shortly after his Everton departure concluded last season. Coleman explained the approach came too soon after leaving Goodison Park and he did not want to keep the club waiting while he considered his future.
The Ireland international said conversations with his national team manager about the 2028 European Championships, which Ireland will co-host, planted a seed about continuing his playing career. "I was probably 100% done at the end of the season until I spoke to the Ireland manager," Coleman said. He added that the Sheffield United manager was "great" and "a little bit old school," but the timing felt wrong. Coleman is now training independently while deciding his next move.
How did Everton rescue a point against Manchester United?
Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his Everton debut with a spectacular 96th-minute equalizer to snatch a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. According to match reports from BBC Sport and Dawn Sport, the former Arsenal player lasered a long-range shot into the top corner with virtually the last kick of the game at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees had fallen behind twice, first to Bryan Mbeumo's second-half opener and later to Benjamin Sesko's header.
Everton showed resilience to fight back on both occasions, with Tyrique George scoring their first equalizer seven minutes from time. Manager David Moyes praised the impact of the late goal on the home supporters. "It was a brilliant goal and I thought it was a big moment for the crowd as well," Moyes said. The draw maintains Everton's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, leaving them eighth in the table with five points from three games.
What are the consequences of Everton's transfer window?
Everton's failure to strengthen their attacking options during the transfer window has left manager David Moyes with a threadbare squad. Dawn Sport reported that deals for forwards Folarin Balogun, Richarlison, and Joshua Zirkzee all collapsed before Tuesday's deadline. The club's only major incoming was the loan return of Jack Grealish, which has done little to address the shortage of recognized strikers.
Moyes now has only one natural striker available in Thierno Barry and just 18 outfield players in his squad. This situation could have ramifications across a season where Everton currently sit four points behind leaders Manchester City. The club's squad page shows the limited options available, particularly with Christian Nørgaard and James Garner currently sidelined through injury. Everton have scored five goals and conceded three in their opening three matches.
What's next for Everton after the international break?
Everton's next challenge is an away trip to face Tottenham on September 12. Spurs currently sit 18th in the table, making it a significant early-season fixture for both clubs. David Moyes will hope his limited squad can maintain their unbeaten start, which currently reads one win and two draws from their opening fixtures.
The team's recent form shows two draws followed by a win, with their next run of games detailed on the club's fixtures page. Everton's defensive record of three goals conceded in three games will be tested against a Tottenham side seeking their first win. The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium kicks off a busy period in the Premier League calendar.
