AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United, for a second time this season, played out an entertaining draw.
The first instalment saw eight goals, evenly distributed between the two sides. The second saw another four goals. But the entertainment value was not halved.
Instead, this one had added controversy, with referee Stuart Atwell’s consistency called into question by Manchester United. Atwell was actually very consistent; he actually missed penalties for both sides, whilst giving each side one. But that’s probably not the level of consistency we’re really looking for.
Whilst the media obviously focuses on the decisions that went against Manchester United. He also missed a double-handed shove on Evanilson from Harry Maguire; you win some, you lose some, as they say. AFC Bournemouth, of course, just roll with it as these decisions often go against us… Manchester United are making official complaints to the Premier League…
After the match, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports…
“I think it’s a very entertaining game. We played well, we had good moments and good spells. It’s a decent point when you face United, but probably at the end, we were looking for the win.
“We had good moments, the crossbar from Alex Scott, the first chance from Rayan… You know against this kind of team you have to take those chances or things have to go your way.”
Man of the match against Man Utd
Christie
Christie
Vote
Truffert
Truffert
Vote
Scott
Scott
Vote
Petrovic
Petrovic
Vote
Someone else
Someone else
Vote
Green_Cherry
AFC drawmouth!
Joking aside, great performance today against a strong United side. Scott and Christie won the midfield battle for most of the game. Jimenez was obviously carrying a knock and AI should’ve taken him off at HT for me. Eva was much improved upfront, turning his man and finding a pass on many occasions. The only thing we need is some wingers who can cross the ball, too many times we saw Adli or Rayan dribble past their man and then blast it over everyone.
Unbeaten run up to 11 now, which is nothing to sniff at, even with all the draws. Onto Arsenal next. Up the cherries!
"If you look at the bigger picture, it's five draws in a row…"
Andoni Iraola reflects on yet another draw for the Cherries 🍒 pic.twitter.com/XyLIZP5QOm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 20, 2026
BillyTheKid
Eleven undefeated, equalling our unbeaten record of last season.
My MOM was Ryan Christie, thought he was a powerhouse for us in midfield and took his goal well.
Alex Scott also had a good game and was so unlucky not to score.
Silly penalty to give away by Jiminez grabbing Cunha’s shirt, we had at least three defenders covering in front of Cunha.
Good and cool penalty taken by Kroupi.
Would have been happy for a point before the game tonight, United had been in good form.
"It's so easy nowadays to go down and get a penalty, you know guarantee you're going to get one…so why stay on your feet?
Jamie Redknapp & Andy Cole weigh in on Harry Maguire's red card 🟥 pic.twitter.com/8ilpypt0os
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 20, 2026
CherryInHove
Entertaining game. Probably the best bit about it is reading all the Man U fans talk about how unfair refereeing is, and where did 9 minutes come from, as if they haven’t had those things go in their favour for decades.
"Either way, he's got one wrong. To give one and not the other, I can't get my head around it."
Michael Carrick says he was disappointed with the officiating decisions made throughout the game but pleased with his players’ performance 💪 pic.twitter.com/PDadkhhWla
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 20, 2026
Ice8cold
Great game to watch, a pretty good result, and a slightly better performance to make up for it. Happy with that, even if we can only draw these days.
Man Utd seemed pretty open at times, especially off the ball, but they’ve definitely improved from last season. Lammens is a pretty solid goalkeeper.
We seemed a bit less inventive when Maguire got sent off, although Utd were parking the bus then. – To join the conversation, please click here.
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DJ
I have been a writer and website administrator on the largest AFC Bournemouth fan website for almost 25 years. Previously on a now defunct fan network and since 2005 on vitalfootball.co.uk We have been nominated for various fan website awards down the years, however we have always been the bridesmaid…