Manchester United were 15 minutes away from losing a match that they led at half-time for the first time in the league since 1984, before strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha avoided another unwanted record being broken in a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth
The Cherries entered the match in dismal form, having failed to win a match since October, and initially, United looked to take advantage. The hosts turned up to Old Trafford with a renewed sense of energy and a free-flowing attack that, unfortunately for Ruben Amorim, will be decimated in the next few weeks.
The hosts made a bright start and Amad nodded home from close range on his final appearance for the club before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations. The club will be fearing the worst as they make plans to replace him and Bryan Mbeumo for the next few weeks.
An inquest then kicked off when Antoine Semenyo was given plenty of freedom to run in from the right flank and fire past Senne Lammens. However, United’s advantage was restored when Casemiro rose highest at the back post and his header made its way through goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
But two goals either side of half-time from Evanilson and Marcus Tavanier turned the tide, with United’s youthful backline exposed by Andoni Iraola’s ruthless attack. That was before United upped the ante with a few substitutions and goals followed from Cunha and Fernandes, before Eli Junior Kroupi equalised late on. Here, Express Sport rate the United team…
Man Utd player ratings vs Bournemouth (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper
Senne Lammens – 6
Made a brilliant reaction save when Tavernier met Justin Kluivert’s stunning cross against the run of play. Was little he could do for Semenyo’s or Evanilson’s goals. But he will take the blame for Tavernier’s free-kick, which rifled into the back of the net on the goalkeeper’s side, having taken an extra step in the wrong direction. Four goals conceded is not good enough despite a good couple of saves to prevent a fifth in stoppage time.
Defence
Leny Yoro – 6
Played noticeably further up the pitch, closer to a right-back, as Amorim hinted at a change of formation. But the change had little effect and perhaps he needed to be a little more compact against a dangerous Bournemouth attack.
Ayden Heaven – 5
Making just his third league start of the season in a makeshift defence due to the absences of Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven found himself on the wrong side of Evanilson, who bagged Bournemouth’s second.
Luke Shaw – 4
Needed to be stronger up against Semenyo, who barged the England defender as if he wasn’t there to score with one of Bournemouth’s very few attacks in the first half.
Midfield
Amad – 8
Caused early problems and opened the deadlock, surely one of the simplest of his career, with the entire goal gaping from two yards out. Also in the first half, the Ivorian went on a dazzling run, beating two Bournemouth players before his shot was well blocked by Adam Smith. Was a threat throughout.
Casemiro – 7
Is often the first to meet a dangerous set-piece and was rewarded once more to meet Fernandes’ corner and Petrovic could not keep his header out. Replaced after an hour by Kobbie Mainoo and is suspended for United’s next match against Aston Villa, having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
A brilliant evening as the captain ran the show to his usual effect. Set-piece delivery was on point for Casemiro to score and then Fernandes turned goalscorer with a stunning free-kick.
Diogo Dalot – 6
His delightful cross caused havoc in the Bournemouth box and allowed Amad the easiest of goals.
Attack
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Linked up well with Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Matheus Cunha, with the latter putting in a stunning cross that Mbeumo just lifted over the bar in a fabulous opening 45 minutes for the United attack. Blazed over with 20 minutes remaining in a golden opportunity to equalise.
Matheus Cunha – 9
Could not believe the time and space he had on the box after 20 minutes but just shot wide. Was involved in everything positive going forward. United may have started with their best front seven and although Benjamin Sesko will get chances while his team-mates are at AFCON, the striker will worry for his minutes going forward.
Mason Mount – 7
An early snapshot was well saved by Djordje Petrovic and although his performance waned as the match went on, Mount will be confident in his new role on the left.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (60′) – 6
Brought on in an attacking move by Amorim, with United chasing the game with 30 minutes to play, but did not have too much of an impact.
Lisandro Martinez (69′) – 6
His entrance saw United move to a back four, a shape that suited more of their players than the 3-4-3.
Benjamin Sesko (69′) – 7
Helped turn the tide in a smart tactical substitution from Amorim and set up Cunha’s goal.
Patrick Dorgu (90′) – N/A
Joshua Zirkzee (90′) – N/A
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