Manchester United were held to a thrilling 4-4 draw by Bournemouth as captain Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning free-kick before making a transfer admission that rocked the club
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes hit out at Manchester United after the draw against Bournemouth
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Manchester United were held to a thrilling draw by Bournemouth on Monday night. Ruben Amorim's team found themselves ahead on three separate occasions during the encounter but ultimately settled for a 4-4 stalemate.
Old Trafford played host to a captivating Premier League spectacle as United welcomed the Cherries. A total of eight goals were netted across the 90 minutes, with both sides sharing the spoils, though the draw was sufficient to lift Amorim's squad into the top six.
United's standout strike came courtesy of skipper Bruno Fernandes, who delivered a superbly executed free-kick. However, the Portuguese playmaker has since launched a scathing attack on his employers following the match, claiming United attempted to push him towards a summer exit to Saudi Arabia.
The Manchester Evening News delivers the latest developments from the red side of Manchester, including a potential double midfield signing that the club could pursue.
Bruno Fernandes reveals transfer bombshell
Following the Bournemouth stalemate, captain Fernandes spoke candidly about the transfer rumours that swirled around him during the summer window. He alleged that the club sought to force his departure when a lucrative Saudi Arabian proposal materialised, despite both manager Amorim and himself being keen to remain.
"I can't complain. I'm very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge. That was never what guided me. If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I'll play in Saudi Arabia," Fernandes told Canal 11.
"I could have left like many people do and said: 'I want to leave, I don't want to train, I just want to leave so they pay me more on the other side.' But I never did that. I never felt in a position to do that. Because I felt that the empathy and affection I had for the club were the same.
Bruno Fernandes speaks during a press conference
Fernandes spoke out against his club
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"But there comes a point where, for them, money is more important than anything. The club wanted me to go. I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision.
"I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club's side, I felt a bit like, 'If you leave, it's not so bad for us.' It hurts me a lot.
"More than hurting, it makes me sad because I'm a player they have nothing to criticise about. I'm always available. I always play, whether it's good or bad. I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don't value the club as much and don't defend the club as much. That makes you sad."
Bournemouth midfield pair in the frame
Two central players who took to the pitch against United during Monday's stalemate are reportedly being monitored by Amorim's outfit. Tyler Adams, who started the match at the heart of the Cherries' engine room, is understood to be attracting attention from United, according to The Daily Mail.
Tyler Adams acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium
United have been linked with Adams
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Adams' injury in the recent draw could potentially hinder a possible January transfer. However, reports indicate that United are keeping tabs on the American, who is estimated to be worth around £40million.
The 26-year-old is reportedly not the only Bournemouth midfielder attracting interest from United. According to The Sun, young England star Alex Scott is also on their watchlist.
Scott, who came on as a substitute on Monday, is currently valued at approximately £25-30m. Whether United will make a move for both players or just one remains uncertain, but reports suggest these Bournemouth talents are on United's radar.