Manchester United came 15 minutes from losing their first half-time lead since the league in 1984, but goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha helped them avoid an unwanted record break in a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
The Cherries entered the game in miserable form, having not won a game since October, and it initially looked like United would have the upper hand. The hosts arrived at Old Trafford with renewed energy and a free attack, but unfortunately for Ruben Amorim, that attack will be shattered in the coming weeks.
The hosts got off to a good start, with Amad nodding home from close range in his final appearance for the club before departing for the African Cup of Nations. The club will fear the worst as they plan to replace him and Brian Mbeumo in the coming weeks.
The inquest then began when Antoine Semenyo was given enough freedom to run in from the right and past Senne Lamence. However, United’s advantage was restored when Casemiro rose highest at the back post and his header sailed past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
However, two goals on either side of half-time from Evanilsson and Markus Tavanier changed the game, leaving United’s youthful backline exposed to Andoni Iraola’s relentless attacks. That was before United improved with a few changes, with goals from Cunha and Fernandes, and Eli Junior Crupi equalizing late on. Express Sport rates the United team…
Manchester United vs Bournemouth player ratings (3-4-3)
goalkeeper
Senne Ramens – 6
As the play progressed, Tavernier met Justin Kluivert’s superb cross and made a brilliant save. There was little he could do for Semenyo or Evanilsson’s goals. However, he will be responsible for Tavernier’s free-kick. The free kick went into the back of the goalkeeper’s net and took another step in the wrong direction. Despite making some good saves in stoppage time to prevent a fifth goal, conceding four goals was not enough.
defense
Yoro Lenny – 6
As Amorim hinted at a change in formation, it was noticeable that he would play higher up the pitch, closer to the right-back. However, this change had little effect and they may have needed to be a little more compact against a dangerous Bournemouth attack.
Aiden Heaven – 5
Aiden Haven, making his third start in the league this season in makeshift defence, in the absence of Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Nousair Mazraoui, found himself in a different team to Evanilsson, who scored Bournemouth’s second goal.
Luke Shaw – 4
We needed to be stronger against Semenyo. Semenyo lunged at an England defender as if he wasn’t there to score in Bournemouth’s few attacks in the first half.
midfield
Amado – 8
They caused problems early on and broke up the stalemate. This was definitely one of the simplest of his career, with the entire goal coming two yards away. The Ivorian also made a remarkable run in the first half, beating two Bournemouth players, but his shot was well blocked by Adam Smith. It was a threat throughout.
Casemiro – 7
Often the first to encounter dangerous set-pieces, they were again rewarded with a Fernandes corner and Petrovic was unable to prevent a header. He was replaced by Koby Mainu an hour later, but was suspended for United’s next game against Aston Villa after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
It was a great night with our captain putting on a show as usual. Casemiro scored from a set-piece and Fernandes was the scorer with a superb free-kick.
Diogo Dalot – 6
His delightful cross caused havoc in the Bournemouth box, allowing Amad the easiest of goals.
attack
Brian Mbeumo – 6
He combined well with Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Matheus Cunha, with the latter putting in a fine cross that Mbeumo lifted just over the bar to complete a fantastic opening 45 minutes for United. With 20 minutes remaining, they had a great chance to tie the score.
Matheus Cunha – 9
The amount of time and space he left in the box after 20 minutes was unbelievable, but his shot went wide. I have been involved in everything positive going forward. United may have started with their best front seven and Benjamin Sesco will have his chances while his team-mates are away at AFCON, but the striker will be worried about his playing time going forward.
Mason Mount – 7
His early snaps were well saved by Djordje Petrovic, and although his performance declined as the game progressed, Mount will be confident in his new role on the left.
sub
Coby Mainu (60′) – 6
Amorim brought in some attacking moves, with United chasing the game with half an hour left, but it didn’t have much of an impact.
Lisandro Martinez (69′) – 6
His arrival has seen United move to a back four, which suits the players better than a 3-4-3.
Benjamin Sesco (69′) – 7
Amorim’s smart tactical substitution helped turn the tide and set up Cunha’s goal.
Patrick Dorg (90′) – N/A
Joshua Zirkzee (90′) – N/A
