Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot was grabbed by the throat during a huge brawl that broke out at Old Trafford during the first half of the game against Bournemouth. Antoine Semenyo equalized for the Cherries minutes earlier, but then the winger and Dalot were both involved in a scuffle that caused them to receive warnings from the referee.
He was in the middle of a fierce confrontation with Dalot shortly after Semenyo fired past Luke Shaw and the United defense and past Senne Lamence to cancel out Amad’s early effort. After he went to the floor, he appeared irritated by the actions of his defenders.
Dalot dived under Semenyo, causing the Bournemouth talisman to fall, before Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Aiden Haven and several opposition players started a furious scuffle.
Commenting on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “It’s definitely a risk. It’s like Antoine Semenyo trying to strangle Diogo Dalot and letting go. I think two yellow cards are right.”
Just a few minutes later, United took the lead again through Casemiro. He rose highest to meet Fernandes’ corner kick at the back post, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic let the ball slip through his hands.
But that was to be expected for the hosts, who are aiming for a four-game unbeaten run with a much improved performance than in recent weeks.
Neville added: “I can’t say they didn’t deserve it, Manchester United. Casemiro has had a lot of first contact. The goalkeeper has to stop it.”
“Petrovic is lying behind the goal. Just get back up strong. Man United deserve it. It was the best first half I’ve seen at Old Trafford for a long time.”
Victory would move United into fifth place in the Premier League, level with Chelsea.
However, they are expected to be without their three star men for the next few weeks, with Amad, Brian Mbeumo and Nouseir Mazraoui set to depart for the African Cup of Nations.
The Moroccan defender has already been released and missed the game against Bournemouth, with Amad and Mbeumo playing in their final games for United before joining up for the competition.
