In Sunday’s 1-1 draw with 10-man Bournemouth, Rasmus Hojlund saved Manchester United from a third successive Premier League defeat with a last-gasp equalizer.
Antoine Semenyo’s first-half opener at the Vitality Stadium shocked Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.
With 20 minutes left, Evanilson, a Bournemouth forward, was controversiously sent off.
Evanilson was dismissed after being initially charged with kicking Noussair Mazraoui, even though he appeared to have slipped before making contact with the United defender.
Man United fought back from deep into stoppage time, just in time for their fourth league defeat.
United left feeling better than they did after bitter rivals Liverpool, who were hoping to win their 20th English title by avoiding defeat against Tottenham later on Sunday.
Hojlund’s late goal, however, did not help moribund United, who are currently 14th in the Premier League, make an encouraging display.
When they are crowned champions, Liverpool will join United as England’s joint most successful top-flight team.
Man United hasn’t won a trophy since 2013, and next season’s goal is to return to the top five rather than compete with Liverpool for the 21st title.
Amorim asserted this week that despite being concerned about how he should have delayed his arrival, he has “no regrets” about joining United.
Since joining Sporting Lisbon to take the place of the burned Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has endured a hell of a time.
Under the Portuguese coach, Man United have only managed six victories in the top six, have unquestionably the lowest points total in the Premier League, and have the potential to have their worst season since 1973-74.
United has one more chance to wrap up the season with a semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
They will need to take the most of this success to defeat the top-flying La Liga side.
United arrive late
After last weekend’s defeat against Wolves, Amorim made five changes, starting with left-back Luke Shaw as a temporary central defender in his first start since February 2024.
In the opening moments, Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo used a curler to put a pressure on Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Alejandro Garnacho hit the spot with a powerful strike that soared wide from the edge of the area.
However, Semenyo’s 23rd minute winner gave Bournemouth a bad result in the south-coast sunshine despite Man United’s promising start.
After Shaw made a difficult pass, Patrick Dorgu, a panicked Ghana midfielder, gave up possession and fired a clinical finish past Semenyo, who had scored his eleventh goal of the season.
When Bruno Fernandes’ pass was mistaken by Illia Zabarnyi, allowing the winger to race clear for a shot Kepa did well to tip over, Garnacho almost had the lead.
Andre Onana, a Man United goalkeeper out of position, was almost deceived by Dango Ouattara’s audacious shot that smacked off the post.
Evanilson’s 70th-minute red card gave Man United a lifeline, and Bournemouth grew furious as referee Peter Bankes changed his decision to a red card after consulting the pitchside monitor.
As the final nine minutes of stoppage time drew near, Amorim’s men continued to appear unhurried.
Source: Channels TV
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