Man Utd drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in a superb game at the Vitality Stadium and Bruno Fernandes was again the man making things happen.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire was furious at the decision to send him off against Burnley
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This was a day that had started so well for Harry Maguire. Recalled to the England squad for the first time in 18 months, on the brink of signing a new contract and then on the scene when Manchester United took the lead at Bournemouth for the second time in the game.
But Maguire, more than anybody, knows that football is a fickle game. One minute you're running towards the 1,300 United fans in the corner of the Vitality Stadium and soaking in the acclaim. The next you're heading down the tunnel and dishing out a volley of abuse to the fourth official.
The 33-year-old was clearly incensed by the decision to award a penalty against him for a foul on Evanilson, as well as the red card that inevitably followed. A night that looked to be heading Maguire and United's way turned into a battle to hold on to a point.
HEREHEREHEREHERE.
Until then, it was Bruno Fernandes who was again threatening to carry his team back to the stage where he belongs. Carrick has been reluctant to declare his captain the best player in the league this week, but it's getting increasingly difficult to see who can deny him.
The 31-year-old's impact isn't always eye-catching. He should have scored in the first half and he had times when things just didn't click for him at the Vitality Stadium, but he still added to his dazzling highlights reel in a memorable season.
His penalty was an eighth goal of the season and his corner a 17th assist. That's seven goal contributions in his last four Premier League games and he has to be playing in the Champions League next season.
But United's grip on a return to Europe's top table isn't as secure as it should have been. Ryan Christie and Junior Kroupi got the goals to give Bournemouth a fifth successive stalemate, although it was a point they deserved.
These two teams have played out two hugely entertaining draws this season and it's clear United are at their best against teams who like to get involved in a game of football. Given what we have seen in the Champions League this week, they would probably be suited to the competition.
Carrick had talked up the threat Bournemouth pose and the energy they can bring in the week, but it was his own team who had a spring in their step early on. Amad, Matheus Cunha and Fernandes all forced Djordje Petrovic into early saves, with the speed of the passing and the intelligence of the movement creating space for the forwards. Amad saw another shot blocked at close range by Adrien Truffert.
It was the kind of game that has suited United under Carrick, one where the opposition come to play as well. Rayan dragged a shot wide on the break and then forced Senne Lammens into a smart save.
United hadn't scored in open play in a first half since Mbeumo's goal against Arsenal back in January, a sequence that should have came to an end after another free-flowing passing move ended with Diogo Dalot standing up a cross for Fernandes. He looked destined to volley home, only for Petrovic to save with his legs on the line.
Handed the chance to make amends from 12 yards, Fernandes was never going to fail. Cunha had been pulled back by Alex Jimenez, and Fernandes stuttered during his run-up, winning a battle of patience against Petrovic and rolling the ball into the opposite corner.
United's joy was short-lived, however. They were appealing for another penalty when Truffert had hold of Amad's arm, with Stuart Attwell having a long look at the incident before moving on. When Christie stroked in a low finish from 16 yards within a minute, United's complaints grew, but VAR decided not to intervene.
The decision clearly angered United and it took them just four minutes to force their way back in front. Fernandes sent in a dangerous corner which glanced off one Bournemouth head and flew in off James Hill.
But again, they couldn't hold on to a lead. Bournemouth produced a superb move that saw Evanilson get the wrong side of Maguire, who put his arm across the striker. It was similar to the penalty that was denied to Amad, but with the striker in on goal, Maguire was sent-off and Junior Kroupi levelled it up.
Despite plenty of late pressure, United held on for a point that could yet be crucial. They are now four points clear of Aston Villa in fourth, and seven clear of Chelsea in sixth. With games running out, it's a small step towards the target.
Fernandes, more than anyone, deserves to be back.