Bruno Fernandes fumes at controversial call in United’s dramatic Bournemouth draw | OneFootball

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes made no secret of his frustration with the referee’s failure to award Amad a penalty during Friday evening’s 2-2 draw vs. Bournemouth.

Flashpoint moment

Fernandes gave United the lead at the hour mark from the spot-kick. Matheus Cunha won the penalty, producing a fine bit of skill to get past Jimenez, who grabbed onto his shirt and dragged him down.

The United skipper sent Djordje Petrovic to put United in cruise control of the fixture.

The lead proved short-lived, however, as Ryan Christie levelled under contentious circumstances. Amad had been denied what looked like a clear penalty, and just 25 seconds later, the ball was in the United net, Christie finishing past Senne Lammens. United’s protests were waved away, with VAR upholding the referee’s original call.

Fernandes restored the Red Devils’ advantage in the 71st minute when his stunning corner-kick delivery was turned into the back of his own net by James Hill.

Harry Maguire was then sent off for a last-man challenge on Evanilson, which seemed pretty identical to the one Amad was denied. In addition to Maguire being shown a red card, Bournemouth were also awarded a penalty.

Eli Junior Kroupi scored to make it 2-2 and ensure the spoils were shared at the Vitality Stadium.

Fernandes was incensed after the final whistle, criticising the referee for denying United a penalty for the challenge on Amad while awarding Bournemouth a spot kick for a very similar foul.

Fernandes blasts contentious decision

The Portugal international said on Sky Sports, “Disappointed because we did enough to get three points. Had to finish with a lot of suffering and trying not to concede. Frustration onto ourselves because we could’ve gone 2-0 up and from that we conceded another goal.”

“Not getting a penalty and then we get a penalty against where it’s the same situation as Amad – one is one, one is not. I know it’s difficult for the referee to give two penalties to the same team in one game but I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t get involved in that situation or with Harry [Maguire] because either one is a penalty and so is the other or none of them are.”

“Amad is getting to a point where he’s going to shoot and he gets pushed – you can see that something puts him completely out of balance.”

“It’s frustrating for the small players because they always say the small players are soft and when it’s the bigger players they end up giving the fouls. I think the other situation is a penalty but I also think the one on Amad is a penalty and that could’ve changed the game.”

Asked about Michael Carrick’s impact, Fernandes remarked, “That’s always been part of the club. It doesn’t change with the manager in charge. Last weeks we’ve been positive with the result and that gives positive energy to the team to understand we can go anywhere and get results.”

“We’ve been in very good form under Michael [Carrick] and today we had to suffer and we did get a point – we got something from it.”

“What could be better is that we get three points in the next game which we couldn’t get today. Premier League is very tough and we have lots of competition. Aston Villa are close to us and Liverpool and Chelsea too.”

“Our aim is to move forwards by keep getting points, we have to get away from them and the best way to do that is to keep getting points. If you want to get closer to the one in front of you you still have to get the three points.”

On turning a corner after criticism, Fernandes explained, “It will always be like that when you get results you get flowers when you don’t you get criticised it’s part of being a Manchester United player. Demand is very high from everywhere, a lot of people with eyes on the club because it’s massive.”

“It’s a lot of eyes on us but if you decide to play for this club and you play here then you are a big player and have a big personality. There are highs and lows and you have to deal with them.”

United now have a 24-day hiatus before they return to action on April 13, welcoming arch-rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford.

Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images

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