Manchester United staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Despite trailing with minutes to go, goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha ensured United avoided a shocking defeat.
The match saw early goals from Amad and Casemiro, but Bournemouth fought back with strikes from Semenyo, Evanilson, and Tavernier. Fernandes and Cunha’s late efforts salvaged a point for United in a pulsating encounter.
Man United Player Ratings
Senne Lammens – 6
The goalkeeper managed one excellent reaction stop to deny a chance from close range. While he was powerless against two of the goals conceded, he must take responsibility for Tavernier’s free-kick, which beat him on his near side after he took a misplaced initial step. Conceding four times is below the required standard, even with some commendable later saves that prevented a fifth.
Leny Yoro – 5
He operated conspicuously higher up the pitch, almost in a right-back capacity, indicating a slight tactical alteration by the manager. However, this adjustment yielded minimal impact, and he might have been better served adopting a more compressed position when facing a potent Bournemouth forward line.
Ayden Heaven – 5
In only his third league start due to injuries, the young defender was part of a makeshift backline. He was caught out of position and found himself on the wrong side of Evanilson, which directly contributed to Bournemouth’s second goal.
Luke Shaw – 4
The England international was insufficiently robust in his challenge against Antoine Semenyo, who easily brushed him aside to net the Cherries’ first-half equalizer. He needed to show significantly more physical resistance.
Amad – 8
The winger was an immediate source of trouble for the opposition defense and scored one of the easiest goals of his career, simply nodding into an empty net from yards out. He followed this with a dazzling individual burst that took him past two defenders before his shot was blocked. He remained a constant offensive threat.
Casemiro – 7
True to form, he was frequently the target for dangerous set-pieces and was rewarded by heading home Fernandes’ corner, which the keeper couldn’t keep out. He was substituted after an hour for Kobbie Mainoo and will be absent for the next game against Aston Villa after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The captain enjoyed an excellent performance, orchestrating play effectively. His delivery from set-pieces was perfect, assisting Casemiro’s goal, and he capped his night by scoring himself with a spectacular free-kick.
Diogo Dalot – 6
He delivered a beautifully weighted cross into the box that caused chaos and ultimately set up the opportunity for Amad to score his simple opening goal.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5
He displayed good link-up play with Fernandes, Amad, and Cunha. He narrowly lofted a pass from Cunha over the bar during an exciting first half for the forward line. He missed a golden chance to equalize in the second half, blazing his shot over when well-placed.
Matheus Cunha – 7
The striker was arguably the Man of the Match. Though he fired wide early despite having plenty of space, he was central to virtually every successful attacking move the team mounted, culminating in a crucial equalizing goal.
Mason Mount – 6
An early effort saw his snapshot successfully parried by the opposing goalkeeper. While his influence faded in the latter stages of the game, he should feel encouraged by his contribution in his new advanced role on the left flank.
Substitutes
Kobbie Mainoo (60′) – 5
He was introduced in a more offensive change by the manager as the team desperately chased the match but struggled to exert a significant or lasting effect on the play.
Lisandro Martinez (69′) – 5
His introduction saw the defensive shape shift to a four-man backline, a structure that appeared to be more comfortable for the majority of the United players.
Benjamin Sesko (69′) – 6
A smart tactical change by the manager, he helped swing the tide of the game and was instrumental in setting up Matheus Cunha’s goal.