United and Bournemouth share spoils in eight-goal thriller | OneFootball

Manchester United missed the chance to climb into the Premier League’s top five after being held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by Bournemouth in a breathless encounter at Old Trafford.

In a game that refused to settle, United twice led and twice found themselves behind before late drama ensured the points were shared. Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha were all on target for the hosts, but Bournemouth showed real resilience through goals from Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier and substitute Eli Kroupi Jr.

Ruben Amorim's side started really well and that early pressure told after 13 minutes when Amad was left unmarked to head into an empty net after Diogo Dalot’s inviting cross caused chaos in the Bournemouth area.

Despite United’s dominance, the Cherries hit back in style. Semenyo burst down the right and fired an outstanding finish in off the post, momentarily halting the momentum inside Old Trafford.

The visitors grew in confidence after the equaliser, with Marcus Tavernier forcing a smart save from Senne Lammens, but United regained their advantage just before the break. Casemiro climbed highest at the far post to head home, though Djordje Petrovic will feel he should have kept the ball out.

Any sense of control United had was wiped away almost instantly after the restart. Barely 30 seconds into the second half, Evanilson took advantage of sloppy defending to race through and finish clinically, ending a long goal drought in the process.

Seven frantic minutes later, Andoni Iraola's men had turned the game on its head completely as Tavernier curled a superb free-kick into the corner after being fouled by Casemiro on the edge of the area.

United were suddenly chasing the game but responded with renewed urgency. Mason Mount and Cunha both went close before Fernandes produced a moment of quality, bending a brilliant free-kick into the top corner to level the score.

Moments later, Old Trafford was alive again after Cunha collected a loose ball in the box and calmly guided a low finish into the bottom corner, seemingly putting United on course for a crucial victory.

But this contest was never going to end quietly. With six minutes remaining, Bournemouth struck back once more as 19-year-old Eli Kroupi Jr showed impressive composure, taking a pass from Alejandro Jimenez and beating Lammens with his second touch to restore parity.

The visitors nearly completed a remarkable turnaround in stoppage time when David Brooks forced two sharp saves from Lammens, but United held on to claim a point.

The result leaves United sixth in the Premier League, two points adrift of the top four, while Bournemouth remain 13th, extending their winless run to seven matches but departing Old Trafford with plenty of credit after a thrilling night.