BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, Bournemouth
BRUNO FERNANDES proved once again he is the only man keeping the Manchester United ship afloat as a chaotic Friday night at the Vitality ended in a blood-and-thunder 2-2 draw.
In a match that had more drama than an EastEnders Christmas special, Michael Carrick’s side saw their Champions League charge hit a South Coast speed bump. Despite twice leading, United were forced to settle for a point after Harry Maguire went from England hero to Red Devil villain in a matter of hours.
Just a few hours after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, Maguire’s day turned sour. With United clinging to a 2-1 lead, the big defender hacked down Evanilson in the box. The referee didn’t hesitate—pointing to the spot and brandishing a straight red card that left United’s backline exposed for a frantic final ten minutes.
Bournemouth’s teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi stepped up with ice in his veins, smashing the resulting penalty past Senne Lammens to ensure Andoni Iraola’s men extended their unbeaten run to a staggering 11 matches.
Earlier, it was the Bruno Fernandes show. United’s captain, who has been the heartbeat of Carrick’s revolution, opened the scoring from the spot after Matheus Cunha was bundled over.
But the Cherries refused to lie down. Ryan Christie hauled the hosts level with a fizzing low strike that left Lammens rooted to the spot. United thought they’d pinched it when Fernandes’ wicked corner pinballed off James Hill for an own goal, but Maguire’s moment of madness invited the late Bournemouth onslaught.
While Matheus Cunha dazzled in flashes and Leny Yoro showed composure beyond his years at the back, the night belonged to the grit of the Cherries.
Ryan Christie was a whirlwind in midfield, and the introduction of Kroupi changed the tide when United looked to have weathered the storm.
For United, the point keeps them in third, but with Manchester City pulling away at the top, Carrick will be fuming that his stars couldn’t close the door.
