Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Bruno Fernandes Shines in Dramatic 2-2 Draw
In the dramatic match between Manchester United and Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes emerged as the standout performer, salvaging a crucial point in a thrilling 2-2 draw overshadowed by VAR controversies.
It was evident from away that manager Erik Ten Hag had his job cut out for him. Even though Bournemouth is a formidable squad, Manchester United shouldn’t have given up the initiative nearly as soon as the game began. But that’s exactly what took place!
Bournemouth opened the game with an offensive display, making it clear they were looking for a victory. Manchester United appeared sluggish. Manchester made no effort to slow down the game, and in the sixteenth minute, Solanke took full advantage of a slipping United defender Will Kambwala to send the ball into the left corner with a shot from about 20 yards away.
As the minutes passed and Bournemouth comfortably maintained their advantage while United was barely hanging on, it became evident that this was no accident. But Bruno Fernandes’s genius—the lone player who appeared to be genuinely working hard—was required to score! It was completely out of character for the drama.
When Garnacho squared the ball in the 31st minute, it swerved off a defender and found Fernandes in the six-yard box, where he fired a high, straight effort into the net.
Dango Ouattara, however, had a fantastic opportunity to give Bournemouth the lead again just three minutes later after Solanke sent him through with a long cross deep into the United penalty area, but his effort narrowly missed the post!
Wasted opportunity, yet minutes later there was another. Kluivert was released in the 36th minute and scored an incredible goal. With plenty of room to maneuver between opponents, Kluivert easily drove the ball into the bottom corner. Andre Onana, the goalie, was simply unable to reach the ball with his fingertips because the defenders did not appear to recognize the threat he posed until it was too late. 2-1!
Although Burnemouth supporters would be happy with their team’s performance, the reality is that they could have scored more goals if the players had not wasted so many opportunities. Despite being far superior against United, they were squandering all of their opportunities. This continued until the extra period, when Kluivert was released, but Onana’s save did not allow for a decent enough shot.
They almost lost because of this carelessness in front of goal, as Fernandes came close to scoring later. Running full throttle towards the Bournemouth penalty area, he struck a powerful shot that struck the crossbar and flew away. It’s halftime!
Similar events marked the opening of the second half, and Harry Maguire’s arm, which was tucked under his stomach, appeared to be struck by the ball, giving Bournemouth the opportunity to get a penalty. However, none were given out.
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The carelessness in front of the United goal quickly proved to be costly for Bournemouth! Once more, it was that man Fernandes! In actuality, United received a hand ball penalty from the referee when the ball struck Adam Smith’s arm, while Bournemouth was unsuccessful in obtaining one. VAR somewhat, but not entirely, confirmed. Strict! Bruno immediately took his place. 2-2!
Eventually, maintaining such a fast pace became apparent as United’s defensive play got more and more focused and the Bournemouth players began to fatigue. And that’s how it nearly ended.
And then, in the final second of added time, PENALTY!
A penalty was given to Bournemouth!
But VAR rejected it, saying it was barely outside the penalty area! The spectators couldn’t believe it, and the stadium exploded in outrage!
The ensuing Bournemouth free kick strikes the wall and heads for a corner, which is also easily cleared.
Undoubtedly, VAR was a major factor in United’s draw!
Bournemouth vs Manchester United: 2-2 was the final score.
