Manchester United missed a crucial chance to strengthen their push for a Premier League top-five finish after being held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by Bournemouth in a pulsating eight-goal thriller at Old Trafford.
In a game that swung wildly from one end to the other, both teams took turns in the lead, producing one of the most entertaining contests of the season. Just when it appeared United would finally claim maximum points, Bournemouth teenager Eli Junior Kroupi struck late to snatch a draw and silence the home crowd.
United started on the front foot and were rewarded early, as Amad Diallo opened the scoring after benefiting from Ruben Amorim’s tactical adjustment that allowed him operate higher up the pitch.
The Red Devils dominated the opening stages, firing off six shots within the first 10 minutes — their fastest such start in the league since October 2022 — as Bournemouth struggled to settle.
However, the visitors gradually found their rhythm and began to exploit gaps in United’s defence, leading to an end-to-end encounter that kept fans on edge.
Despite Bournemouth’s growing confidence, United managed to head into the break with a slender 2-1 lead, though the match was clearly far from decided.
Second-half momentum swings
The complexion of the game changed dramatically after the restart, as United’s advantage disappeared within seven minutes.
Goals from Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier turned the match on its head, handing Bournemouth the lead and exposing United’s defensive vulnerabilities once again.
Refusing to fold, the hosts responded in emphatic fashion. Bruno Fernandes bent a sublime free-kick beyond the goalkeeper before Matheus Cunha followed up just two minutes later with a clinical finish to restore United’s lead in breathtaking fashion.
Old Trafford erupted as the Red Devils looked poised to finally seize control of the contest, with momentum seemingly back in their favour.
Late sting from Bournemouth
Just as United appeared to be closing in on victory, Bournemouth delivered one final twist in the tale.
Nineteen-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi showed remarkable composure to fire home six minutes from time, drawing the visitors level once again and underlining United’s inability to see out games this season.
Bournemouth nearly completed a sensational comeback in stoppage time, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced two outstanding saves to deny David Brooks and ensure the hosts salvaged a point.
Costly draw for United
The result leaves Manchester United still outside the top five, with questions lingering over their defensive consistency and game management.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain 13th in the table and extended their winless run to seven matches, though their resilience and fighting spirit earned them a deserved share of the spoils in one of the Premier League’s most memorable encounters this season.