By CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS WRITER
Published: 19:22 EST, 15 December 2025 | Updated: 19:26 EST, 15 December 2025
Ruben Amorim was left counting the cost of Manchester United’s failure to kill off Bournemouth after an eight-goal thriller that evoked memories of some of the great nights at Old Trafford.
United turned on the style with their most entertaining performance under Amorim, but were held to a 4-4 draw despite leading three times.
‘If you follow the club like I follow the Premier League for so long, you have a duty not just to win the games but the way to play is so important for the fans,’ said the United boss.
‘They are desperate to win but also to be inspired. Today was inspiring, but there is also the feeling of frustration from not winning.
‘We take a lot of good things out of the match, but also a lot to work on. We need to understand the momentum of the game and be more clinical. We created so many chances to win the game so we should have got the three points.
‘It was a fun game for everyone at home. People enjoy more to see Manchester United this season, but we need to put both things together. We are lacking quality when we defend our goal. It is something we need to address.’
Ruben Amorim admitted his players were both 'frustrated and inspired' by Monday's 4-4 draw
Amorim let go of the handbrake as Manc United played out an enthralling eight-goal thriller
Key man Casemiro, who scored on the night, will miss the trip to Aston Villa with suspension
Amorim will be without at least six players for Sunday’s visit to Aston Villa with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt still injured, Casemiro suspended and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo set to follow Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations.
‘That is the fun part of being a manager,’ added Amorim. ‘We will try to find a solution with the players that we have. We are ready to cope.’
Diallo, who opened the scoring for United, summed up the mood in the dressing-room by saying: ‘We are very frustrated as a team. We know we need to do better. If we had won today, we would have been in a much better position in the League. Everyone is really disappointed.’
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was pleased with the way his team fought back, but concerned about midfielder Tyler Adams who went off early on after damaging the medial ligaments in his left knee blocking a shot by Matheus Cunha.
‘It’s the worst news from the game, definitely,’ said Iraola. ‘He twisted the knee, We have to see if it is just a small sprain. Obviously it is not what we want; to lose a player like Tyler for us is massive.’
BournemouthRuben Amorim