By Frank Ulom
MANCHESTER (CONVERSEER) – Manchester United have Senne Lammens to thank, even though he conceded four goals; at least he saved them twice in the dying minutes to ensure the fans have something to hold on to for Christmas.
United produced a performance that swung wildly between brilliance and fragility as they played out a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, on Monday, dropping more valuable points in front of their home fans.
Man United twice led in the first half through Amad Diallo and Casemiro, but Bournemouth repeatedly found a way back into the contest in a match that exposed the Red Devils’ defensive vulnerabilities. Antoine Semenyo cancelled out Amad’s opener before Casemiro restored United’s advantage just before the interval.
There was pre-match intrigue over Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach following reports he could abandon his preferred 3-4-3 system. While the starting XI suggested continuity, United effectively operated in a 4-4-2 shape, with Diogo Dalot at left-back, Leny Yoro on the right, and Amad deployed in a midfield three.
United began brightly and created several early chances, with Bryan Mbeumo, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha all threatening. The opening goal came when Amad reacted quickest to head home after Djordje Petrovic failed to deal convincingly with Cunha’s initial effort.
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Bournemouth, however, punished United’s wastefulness through Semenyo, who surged down the right flank and fired in off the post to score his seventh league goal of the season, ending an eight-game scoring drought.
Casemiro’s towering header from a corner, aided by another error from Petrovic, sent United into the break with a 2-1 lead. That advantage evaporated almost immediately after half-time as Evanilson capitalised on defensive inexperience from Yoro and Heaven to score his first goal since August.
United’s composure crumbled further when Marcus Tavernier struck directly from a free-kick to put Bournemouth ahead. Bruno Fernandes responded emphatically, curling a superb free-kick into the net to level the match once more.
Matheus Cunha then appeared to have secured a dramatic victory for the hosts with United’s fourth goal, but Bournemouth struck back yet again. Substitute Junior Kroupi netted the equaliser in the 84th minute, ensuring United were pegged back for a third time on the night.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Bournemouth coming closest. United goalkeeper Lammens produced two excellent saves to deny David Brooks and prevent further late heartbreak for Amorim’s side.
The result leaves Manchester United with just two points from their last three home matches, underlining ongoing concerns about their consistency and defensive solidity despite their attacking flair.
