A late Rasmus Højlund equaliser ensured Manchester United claimed a point at the Vitality Stadium after trailing for the majority of their game against Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo gave the hosts the lead in the 23rd minute with a thumping strike to beat André Onana, but the complexion of the game changed in the final 20 minutes, with Evanilson dismissed after VAR ruled that his foul against Noussair Mazroui was worthy of a red card.
Down to 10 men, Bournemouth couldn’t hold on. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Højlund tapped home an equaliser to rescue a point for United an break Bournemouth hearts.
As it happened
There was a lot on the line at the Vitality Stadium even before a ball was kicked. Manchester United travelled down south with one eye on the Europa League semi-finals, while Bournemouth new a win would send them to 8th in the Premier League and keep them in the fight for European football next season. They had every reason to be confident, too, having never lost to today’s opponents under Andoni Iraola.
United were on the back foot for the opening five minutes, with front man Højlund seeming very isolated. They were insistent on playing out from the back, putting further pressure on keeper Onana. Bournemouth’s first chance came when Dango Ouattara whipped a delicious ball into the area, which only just evaded Evanilson’s studs. This was an indication of things to come.
Kobbie Mainoo, one of the heroes of United’s 5-4 win over Lyon, soon picked up the ball and drove past two players before looking for the top corner, only to find the gloves of Kepa Arrizabalaga. In the 15th minute, after a few Cherries half-chances, Alejandro Garnacho tried his luck from the edge of the box and his strike flashed past the post. Not long after, the Argentine was involved again, as Tyler Adams picked up his third consecutive yellow card for a rough challenge on the United man.
On 22 minutes, Bournemouth took the lead. United tried to play out from the back again before losing possession outside their box. The ball was then crossed in towards Evanilson, who produced a neat flick to Semenyo to emphatically find the net. Bournemouth now had their tails up, pinning The Red Devils into their own half.
Embed from Getty ImagesEvanilson was soon inches away again, as a long ball was floated over the top and his outstretched foot could not make a connection, allowing Onana to gather comfortably.
Just like that chance, United dinked a ball over the top. This time, it was Garnacho who made contact, but Arrizabalaga used his right hand to push the ball wide. This was the first time that the visitors were able to put some real pressure on Bournemouth. There were two minutes of added time, which the hosts saw out fairly easily.
Bournemouth were close to adding a second within a minute of the second half, as Semenyo hit a left-footed shot which just missed the post. The home side were looking to build on their strong first half, with a ball from the left missing Evanilson for a third time.
United should have put the ball in the net not long after, when Garnacho broke down the left and found Bruno Fernandes on the penalty spot, who sliced his effort wide, although the offside flag then went up to save his blushes. Bournemouth then struck the post, as Ouattara went for goal from free kick on the far right. Ruben Amorim then decided to make changes, with Victor Lindelöf, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte coming on for Harry Maguire, Mainoo and Casemiro.
The Red Devils seemed to up their tempo, receiving the ball higher up the field but failing to trouble Arrizabalaga in Bournemouth’s goal. Then, VAR played its part on proceedings, as Evanilson flew into a challenge on Mazraoui with a scissor kick tackle, although the replay shows he actually slipped into the challenge. Nonetheless, after a recommended review, referee Peter Bankes dismissed the Brazilian forward.
Embed from Getty ImagesMomentum was now with United as they had the man advantage, but Bournemouth still looked to catch them on the break. With over five minutes to play, Semenyo made way for Marcos Senesi to see out the game. Despite being a man down, The Cherries defended resolutely, as proven when Mount’s goal-bound effort was deflected behind.
Nine minutes were added on, which was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home fans. Two minutes into added time, United captain Fernandes latched onto a loose ball and caught it sweetly, with Arrizabalaga relieved to watch it graze the side netting having been rooted to the spot. Many away fans thought it was in and were mocked for their cheers.
Their next set of cheers was justified. A cross into the Bournemouth box was deflected by Højlund into the net, ending a long barren run for the Danish forward. Still two minutes on the clock, United pressed for a winner, but it was not to be, as the points were shared.
Embed from Getty ImagesBournemouth will be disappointed that they could not hold on, but United will take some momentum into Europe on Thursday when they travel to Bilbao to take on Athletic Club.
The lineups
BOU: Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Scott, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Outtara; Evanilson
MUN: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Højlund