Bournemouth vs Manchester United Report
Scorers: Solanke 16’, Kluivert 36’; Fernandes 31’, 65’ (P)
In a pulsating encounter at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth and Manchester United ended up sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Despite Manchester United’s recent shaky form, with only one win in their last seven Premier League matches, it was Bournemouth who kicked off with intensity and quickly took the lead through Dominic Solanke.
The forward capitalised on a defensive error from Willy Kambwala to give the Cherries an early advantage.
Missed Opportunities and United’s Response
Bournemouth nearly doubled their lead shortly after their opener, but United’s goalkeeper André Onana made crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Manchester United managed to claw back into the match against the run of play, thanks to Bruno Fernandes who found the net after a scramble in the box, levelling the scores.
However, Bournemouth’s relentless pressure paid off again as Justin Kluivert restored their lead with a precise finish.
Woodwork Drama and Second Half Equaliser
The first half ended with both teams hitting the woodwork, indicating just how closely contested the match was.
In the second half, Bournemouth continued to press, but a controversial handball decision against Adam Smith allowed Bruno Fernandes to score from the penalty spot, bringing United level once again.
Tense Final Moments and Draw Conclusions
The game’s intensity didn’t wane, with both teams searching for a late winner. A dramatic moment came when Bournemouth thought they had won another penalty, but the decision was overturned and the spot kick converted to a free-kick from just outside the United box after a VAR review.
The match ended 2-2, extending Bournemouth’s unbeaten home streak to five games and leaving Manchester United struggling to close the gap to the Champions League qualification spots.
This draw underlines the competitive nature of the Premier League and the pressure on Erik ten Hag to improve United’s fortunes, as their quest for a top-four finish becomes increasingly challenging.
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Bournemouth v Man Utd, 2023/24 | Premier League