Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester
Manchester, Dec 16: Manchester United missed an opportunity to climb to fifth place in the Premier League after blowing the lead on three occasions to settle for a thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Despite suffering just one defeat in their last 10 matches, United manager Ruben Amorim was left frustrated as his side once again dropped valuable points at home, even after producing what was arguably their most fluent attacking display under his tenure.
Amad Diallo and Casemiro put the hosts ahead twice in the first half, with Antoine Semenyo pulling Bournemouth level in between. United went into the break leading 2-1, but a disastrous start to the second half saw Evanilson score within 37 seconds of the restart before Marcus Tavernier struck from a free-kick to turn the match on its head.
United responded strongly as Bruno Fernandes curled in a superb free-kick before Matheus Cunha netted his second goal for the club to make it 4-3. However, defensive lapses again proved costly, with Eli Junior Kroupi scoring late to earn Bournemouth a point. The visitors nearly claimed all three points in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced two fine saves to deny David Brooks.
“It was a fun game for everyone at home,” Amorim said after the match. “When you win away, you should win at home. The performance today was different from the last two at home. The result is the same, it is frustrating but the performance is different.”
United looked sharp going forward, with their attacking unit showing signs of cohesion, but the absence of injured defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt was evident as Bournemouth repeatedly exploited gaps at the back.
The draw leaves United sixth in the table, moving ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, while Bournemouth’s winless run extended to seven games, though the point lifted them to 13th.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola described the contest as chaotic and entertaining. “It’s very difficult to explain because so much happened. I suppose it was entertaining for everyone. Two teams that attacked much better than we defended,” he said.