Manchester United showed their attacking brilliance and defensive frailties as they drew 4-4 with Bournemouth. The home side started with pace and intent. Despite Manchester United's positivity, it was Bournemouth's defence that was generous. Matheus Cunha was left unmarked in the box, and he should have dispatched Diogo Dalot's cross. The ball evaded Bournemouth keeper Dorde Petrovic for Amad Diallo to nod the ball in on the goal line 13 minutes in.
As the half progressed, Bournemouth were very much on the ropes. Yet with only a goal in the game, the Cherries were still in it. Marcus Tavernier was unfortunate not to equalise when his header was blocked by Senne Lammens. Although Manchester United had played well, Bournemouth levelled on 40 minutes when Antoine Semenyo found space on the inside right channel to smash home. United would not be denied, though, with Casemiro heading in a Bruno Fernandes set piece in first-half injury-time.
Whatever confidence the home side gained from the first-half seemed to evaporate seconds into the restart. United looked vulnerable at the back, as Marcus Tavernier passed forward unchallenged to Evanilson, who fired in with his left foot. Incredibly, Bournemouth took the lead seven minutes into the second half with a Tavernier free-kick. For all of United's attacking play, they looked inept defensively.
Fortunately for the home side, they have plenty of attacking options, and to the relief of the home fans, Bruno Fernandes rifled home a long-range free kick with 13 minutes left. Then, within two minutes, Cunha made it 4-3 to United to send the Stretford End wild. But with six minutes to go, United once again showed their defensive frailties, as Junior Kroupi made it all square.
Man Utd v Bournemouth Match Statistics
Man Utd
56%
25
9
5
5
2
Match Highlights
Manchester United Player Ratings
Mason MountGK: Senne Lammens - 7/10
Despite having very little to do, he made a fine save from Tavernier in the first half, but was at fault for Bournemouth's third goal, but made two great late saves.
DF: Leny Yoro - 5/10
Looked assured and confident in United's back three until Bournemouth equalised, and it all went to pot.
DF: Ayden Heaven - 4/10
Caught out positionally for Bournemouth's equaliser, and looked somewhat ragged at times.
DF: Luke Shaw - 4/10
Sloppy in possession that led to Bournemouth's equaliser. United would have expected more of such an experienced player. No chemistry with Heaven.
RM: Amad Diallo - 5/10
Got on the score sheet, but a fairly underwhelming performance.
CM: Casemiro - 6/10
Found space in the box after a good run to head United back into the lead just before the break, but was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo
CM: Bruno Fernandes - 7/10
On the spot to deliver for Casemiro to regain the lead for United, but once again left frustrated before scoring a wonderful free-kick.
LM: Diogo Dalot - 6/10
Put in a telling cross to help United take the lead, then got involved in some silliness with Antoine Semenyo.
AM: Bryan Mbeumo - 6.5/10
Again, he looked like a goal threat. Linked up very well with Cunha.
AM: Mason Mount - 7/10
Started the game brightly, spraying the ball around and was at the centre of whatever United did well in the first-half, but faded in the second half.
CF: Matheus Cunha - 7/10
Although he put in a lively performance, he really should have scored before Amad finally did. Seems at ease playing at Old Trafford.
SUB: Kobbie Mainoo - 6/10
Got a standing ovation as he came on. Gave United far more legs in the middle of the park.
SUB: Benjamin Sesko - 5/10
Didn't quite get the opportunity he would have craved until the last minute, but he couldn't get on the end of a cross.
SUB: Lisandro MartÃnez - 5/10
His vast experience didn't help United defend.
SUB: Joshua Zirkzee - N/A
Came on very late.
SUB: Patrick Dorgu - N/A
Brought on very late.
Bournemouth Player Ratings
Antoine SemenyoGK: Dorde Petrovic - 4/10
Did well to parry away from Mason Mount, but would have hoped to have done better for both of United's first-half goals.
RB: Adam Smith - 7/10
Kept the Cherries ticking over and made some telling tackles and interceptions to keep the visitors in the game.
CB: Bafode Diakite - 4/10
Simply caught ball-watching, with his gaze stuck on Dalot on Bournemouth's left and completely missing the run of Cunha.
CB: Marcos Senesi - 5/10
Far too slow to pick up the run of United's Cunha in the lead-up to the opening goal.
LB: Adrien Truffert - 5/10
Should have done better to track the run of Casemiro for the home side's second goal.
CM: Marcus Tavernier - 7/10
Unfortunate not to have equalised but denied by a good block by Senne Lammens. But would have been delighted to put the visitors ahead.
CM: Tyler Adams - N/A
Forced to hobble off after only five minutes.
RW: Alex Jimenez - 6/10
Battled well as Bournemouth looked to claim an unlikely comeback win.
LW: Antoine Semenyo - 7/10
Back on the score-sheet after a long drought with an emphatic finish.
AM: Justin Kluivert - 6.5/10
Showed his quality by putting in a great ball for Tavernier to almost equalise.
CF: Evanilson - 6/10
Not really involved in the game until he stunned the home crowd with a goal seconds into the second period.
SUB: Alex Scott - 7/10
Brought into the action after only five minutes to replace Adams. Along with Tavernier, he had the legs over Casemiro.
SUB: Junior Kroupi - 6/10
Scored the eighth goal of the game to make it 4-4 with his first touch.
SUB: David Brooks - 5/10
Very late sub and nearly won it.
SUB: James Hill - N/A
Very late sub.