Bruno Fernandes salvages draw for United against Bournemouth

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Manchester United managed to escape from the Vitaly Stadium with two points.

Manchester United have famously conceded far too many shots this season but against Bournemouth, it looked like they were trying to break a new record.

Dominic Solanke gave the Cherries the lead when he took advantage of a slip by young Willy Kambwala to then fire a super finish on the edge of the area past André Onana.

Luis Sinisterra and Ryan Christie both had good chances for Bournemouth before out of nothing United found an equaliser.

This one came from Kambwala's tackle on Solanke near the halfway line with the ball finding Alejandro Garnacho whose low cross was blocked but sat up perfectly for Bruno Fernandes to rifle into the net from close range,

Bournemouth though were enjoying the freedom of the pitch with gigantic gaps between the United defence and attack and in particular between Kambwala and Diogo Dalot.

@Getty /

The only downside for Bournemouth in that first 45 minutes was the injury to Sinisterra who had to be replaced by Lloyd Kelly in the 39th minute.

While Bournemouth continued to have chances, United's individual brilliance almost got them level when Fernandes had a long-range effort bounce off the crossbar just before the break.

The home side weren't quite as electric in the second period but found themselves conceding from the spot in the 65th minute.

It was a decision that was soft although probably correct under the current handball rule. Kobbie Mainoo had a shot that was blocked with the deflection then hitting Adam Smith on his outstretched arm. Smith had no idea that the ball was going near him and for that reason, that award felt harsh with VAR not intervening.

Whether or not it was a fortuitous penalty meant nothing to Bruno Fernandes who sent Neto the wrong way to make it 2-2.

With the game going deep into stoppage time, there was some penalty drama at the other end. Referee Tony Harrington awarded the Cherries a spot-kick when Ryan Christie, who had ten minutes earlier been booked for diving for a penalty, was blocked by Kambwala. 

This time VAR did intervene, with the foul looking like it had taken place on the edge of the area and not inside the box, although both players did fall down inside the area.

Instead, substitute Enes Ünal was on freekick duty just outside the box but his effort struck the wall with United then being able to deal with the resulting corner.

Andoni Iraola will feel like his team should have won this one, certainly, their first 45 minutes should have seen them go clear. But luckily for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes was able to earn them a point.

With Newcastle United's win earlier today, Manchester United are now seventh in the table while Bournemouth remain 12th.

xG: Bournemouth (1.95) 2-2 (1.35) Manchester United

Despite going behind twice, @ManUtd claim a point against @afcbournemouth on the south coast 🤝#BOUMUN pic.twitter.com/faJAIVgcl1

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 13, 2024