Manchester United and Bournemouth played out one of the Premier League’s most remarkable games of the season as the two sides shared an entertaining 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on the night of Monday, December 15.
In a match filled with drama, lead changes and late elation, United looked set to take all three points before Bournemouth’s substitute Eli Junior Kroupi struck late to secure a point for the visitors.
Bright start gives United early control
United started the brighter of the two teams and took an early lead. Amad Diallo headed home in the 13th minute from close range after sustained pressure on the Bournemouth defence.
But the Cherries hit back and levelled through Antoine Semenyo just before half-time, punishing a defensive lapse.
Casemiro then restored United’s lead with a header from a corner right on the stroke of half-time, giving the Reds a 2-1 advantage at the break.
The second half began with even more intensity.
Bournemouth struck just seconds after the restart when Evanilson finished sharply to make it 2-2, and just a few minutes later, Marcus Tavernier curled a superb free-kick past the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead for the first time.
United were stunned, but responded well.
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Fernandes inspires United fightback
United’s fightback was led by Bruno Fernandes, who curled a free-kick into the top corner to level the scores at 3-3.
Matheus Cunha then turned home from close range to put the hosts back in front, and it looked as though United might finally seal the win.
Yet, Bournemouth had other ideas.
With just six minutes to go, Bournemouth’s 19-year-old substitute Eli Junior Kroupi found space in the box and fired home to make it 4-4, sending the travelling fans into raptures and leaving United frustrated at conceding another late goal.
Despite the late twist, both sides had chances in stoppage time – United keeper Senne Lammens made crucial saves to deny David Brooks a winner in the dying minutes.
Amorim rues missed opportunity
United boss Ruben Amorim expressed disappointment after the match.
“A fun game. We started really well, did a very good first half. The result should be completely different,’ he said.
“We lost the concentration and they scored two goals. But we managed to get back to the game, we scored two goals again and then we have to finish the game.
“We need to think about not to go again, but to take calm and to close the game. A lot of good things, but a lot of things to work.”
The result leaves Manchester United sixth in the Premier League table, narrowly missing a chance to climb further, while Bournemouth moved up to 13th.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling