Bruno Fernandes double salvages fortunate point for Man Utd against Bournemouth

Premier League: Bournemouth 2 Manchester United 2

Manchester United have made a habit of late drama in recent weeks and on this occasion an intervention by VAR to overturn an added time penalty decision went in their favour as they salvaged a fortunate point thanks to Bruno Fernandes who twice brought his side level.

The late flashpoint came in the 95th minute of added time when Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie was brought down by Willy Kambwala. Referee Tony Harrington awarded a penalty but VAR adjudged the offence occurred just outside the box. It was a desperately close call, and one Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola thought was wrong, but United survived the resulting free-kick to ensure the game ended in stalemate.

Bournemouth had twice taken the lead, through Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert, and twice United levelled through Fernandes, the second time from the penalty spot. But it was the home side who were the more convincing as they challenge for a top half finish while United now lie in seventh place after managing just one win in their last six league games.

Bruno Fernandes side twice equalised as Manchester United salvaged a point in a game that highlighted the flaws that have undermined their campaign and demonstrated the progress made by Bournemouth under Iraola.

Ten Hag had bemoaned United’s bad luck this season ahead of the game, citing a number of decisions that have gone against his side in recent weeks. On this occasion it certainly wasn’t luck that contributed to the visitors trailing at half-time. If anything, fortune was on their side as they somehow managed to restrict Bournemouth to a one-goal lead.

United’s defensive failings were exposed by Solanke’s opening goal and they got worse.