TVC E. United have now dropped seven points as a result of goals conceded in the final 10 minutes of league games this season – more than any other side.
That statistic contributed to United’s tally of 20 points from 13 games at kick-off, their worst haul in the Premier League era.
Despite their frustrations in the league, they were good value for their goal when it arrived towards the end of a largely listless first half.
Anthony Martial’s long ball forward was the cue for Stekelenburg to needlessly charge from his goal, giving Ibrahimovic an opportunity to score that he would not have had if the keeper had stayed at home.
As it was, Stekelenburg so nearly got away with it.
Ibrahimovic’s effort bounced up and on to the bar, back down in front of the line and then spun sideways into the post.
Time seemed to stand still as the ball dallied and danced on the line, but it finally crossed just as Ramiro Funes Mori steamed in to hack clear.
The visitors were unlucky not to find themselves further ahead when Herrera struck the bar in the second half, after which Everton came more into the match as an attacking force, with Kevin Mirallas, Gueye and Enner Valencia all forcing David de Gea into action.
United looked to have weathered the storm and for good measure threw on Fellaini to add extra steel at the back in what time remained – but the Belgian, signed from Everton for £27.5m in 2013, suffered a rush of blood in his own box to gift the hosts a point.
