Manchester United remained winless for the fourth time in a row. The Red Devils had to settle for a 2-2 draw at AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries in particular must be annoyed that they kept United in the game with a sometimes negligent exploitation of chances
After the 2-1 defeat at Luton Town, Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola made three changes: Senesi, Sinisterra and Ouattara started in place of Kelly, Tavernier and Semenyo.
Erik ten Hag kept exactly the same starting line-up after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Bournemouth with the better chances
Bournemouth were well in the game from the start, Solanke had the first chance of the game after winning the ball high up the pitch (7th minute). Man United initially had more of the ball, but struggled to cope with the hosts’ pressing. A loss of possession by Garnacho resulted in the hosts taking the lead through Solanke (16). Rashford almost equalized on the stroke of half-time (18), but it was the South of England who had the better chances. Kerkez (19), Sinisterra (21) and Christie (28, 30) all missed them.
This was to take its toll, as Bruno Fernandes was lucky enough to equalize (31), which had been quite flattering up to that point. However, Bournemouth did not let this unsettle them. Sinisterra first missed the target (34′) before Kluivert did better and gave the Cherries the lead again (36′).
The Red Devils were particularly indisposed defensively at times. If Kerkez (43) and Kluivert (45.+3) had made the most of their high-percentage chances, nobody would have complained. United were dependent on individual moments in which the individual quality of their attack was on show – such as Bruno Fernandes’ spectacular crossbar goal (45.+8). They then went into the break with an all in all thoroughly flattering 2:1 lead
Bruno Fernandes equalizes from the spot
After the break, nothing worth mentioning happened for a long time. But if one team looked the more dangerous, it was the Cherries – also thanks to the ever-agile Kluivert. In the 63rd minute, referee Tony Harrington suddenly pointed to the spot, a handball that was both curious and controversial. Bruno Fernandes did not miss the chance and equalized (65′). Both teams then launched a few attempts forward, but there was no real danger at any point. Things got turbulent once more at the end when the referee pointed to the spot after Kambwala fouled Christie, but decided to award a free-kick after a VAR review (90.+5). The resulting free-kick came to nothing and the final score remained 2:2.
For Man United, next week is all about keeping their last remaining title chance alive. Erik ten Hag’s side face Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday (4.30pm). Bournemouth continue their Premier League campaign half an hour earlier (4pm) with an away game at Aston Villa.
