Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth: Highlights, man of the match, stats in eight-goal Premier League thriller

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Old Trafford record rescued: Man Utd and Bournemouth settle for stunning draw in eight-goal thriller
© Imago / News Images

Manchester United and Bournemouth battled out a sensational 4-4 draw in an eight-goal Premier League thriller at Old Trafford on Monday night.

An electric Manchester United start saw Amad Diallo open the scoring inside 13 minutes, but Bournemouth eventually grew into the game and equalised through Antoine Semenyo, only for the Red Devils to restore their lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to Casemiro's header.

However, Man Utd's hard work was quickly undone in the opening minutes of the second half, with Evanilson equalising inside 30 seconds before Marcus Tavernier found the bottom corner from a freekick just minutes later to complete the turnaround. 

A hectic end to the game saw Bruno Fernandes equalise before Matheus Cunha made it 4-3 to the Red Devils, but a late equaliser from Eli Junior Kroupi put an end to the scoring as the two teams had to settle for a stunning 4-4 draw. 

Bournemouth did push for a late winner, coming close on numerous occasions if not for Senne Lammens, who produced multiple saves to rescue the Old Trafford record - of which Manchester United have not lost a league game when leading at half-time since May 1984.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Manchester United were brilliant for much of the first half, especially in the opening 25 minutes or so, displaying faster-paced passing and plenty of flair and creativity that were clear signs of a team boosted in confidence from their recently improved form. 

The intensity out of possession did begin to drop as the half progressed, allowing Bournemouth to get a feel for the ball and grow in belief, and that eventually led to the Cherries getting back into the game as they pressed and won the ball back high up the pitch, allowing Semenyo to be set free and strike. 

That goal, as well as the quickfire double the Red Devils conceded early in the second half, highlight an ever-present problem for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, who are far too easy to attack - constantly beaten through the middle of the park, while conceding far too many shots and, ultimately, goals. 

Bournemouth and Andoni Iraola also deserve credit, as the Cherries could have shrunk into themselves after a difficult start in a booming Old Trafford atmosphere, but they managed to weather the storm and stay in the game - giving themselves the opportunity to turn the match on its head. 

The end of the match saw both teams enjoy plenty of attacking success, and both looked like they were capable of scoring with every venture forward - and that almost came true as the pair scored eight goals between them. 

One of the many stories of the night was Manchester United rescuing their long-standing Old Trafford record, with the Red Devils not losing from a winning position at half-time in the league at their home ground since May 1984, a massive 41 years and 393 games - a record that was in significant danger at various times tonight.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. BOURNEMOUTH HIGHLIGHTS

Amad Diallo goal vs. Bournemouth (13th min, Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth)

Amad gives Manchester United a deserved early lead!

The ball is fed out wide to Diogo Dalot, who cuts inside onto his right foot and curls an in-swinging cross into the box.

Matheus Cunha rises but fails to make contact with the header, the ball deflects up off Djordje Petrovic, giving Amad the chance to nod home from close range.

Antoine Semenyo goal vs. Manchester United (40th min, Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth)

Semenyo equalises for Bournemouth against the run of play!

Luke Shaw is nudged aside by Justin Kluivert as Bournemouth pinch possession deep inside Manchester United's half, and Semenyo is played through down the right wing. 

Semenyo breaks into the box and fires a driven shot across goal, and the ball kisses the post as it nestles in the far corner.

Casemiro goal vs. Bournemouth (49th min, Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth)

Casemiro heads it home and Manchester United have their lead back!

Bruno Fernandes curls a corner deep towards the back post, where Casemiro is able to break free from his marker and direct his header towards goal. 

The ball bounces just in front of Petrovic, but the goalkeeper really should do better as a weak parry pushes the ball up into the corner of his net.

Evanilson goal vs. Manchester United (46th min, Manchester United 2-2 Bournemouth)

Evanilson scores less than a minute from the restart!

Bournemouth win the ball back and quickly play it forward to Marcus Tavernier, who feeds a pass between Man Utd's two central defenders to Evanilson.

The striker's first touch sets him up for a strike with his second, and his left-footed effort excellently finds the far corner. 

Marcus Tavernier goal vs. Manchester United (52nd min, Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth)

Tavernier turns this game on its head! 3-2 to Bournemouth!

Casemiro gives away a freekick just outside the Manchester United penalty area, and Tavernier steps up to take for Bournemouth. 

Tavernier curls a low strike towards the keeper's side, finding the bottom corner and giving Bournemouth the lead.

Bruno Fernandes goal vs. Bournemouth (77th min, Manchester United 3-3 Bournemouth)

Manchester United are level! That is sensational from Fernandes!

Man United are controversially awarded a free-kick just outside the Bournemouth penalty area, and captain Fernandes steps up to take. 

Fernandes takes a short run up and curls a fantastic free-kick into the top right corner, giving the keeper no chance. 

Matheus Cunha goal vs. Bournemouth (79th min, Manchester United 4-3 Bournemouth)

Unbelievable! Cunha gives Manchester United the lead!

A sweeping Manchester United counter sees Benjamin Sesko attempt a low cross into the box, and Adrien Truffert's defending is poor as his touch falls for Cunha inside the area. 

Cunha takes a touch towards the penalty spot and shows great composure to slot his effort into the bottom left corner. 

Eli Junior Kroupi goal vs. Manchester United (84th min, Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth)

Kroupi equalises for Bournemouth - what a game!

Diallo's tackle sends the ball into the feet of Kroupi inside the Manchester United penalty area, and the strikes takes one touch before curling a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATHEUS CUNHA

© Imago / Sportimage

When eight goals are scored in a single game, it is fair to say that there will be a number of attacking players deserving of the man of the match award.

Our pick of the bunch is Manchester United's Cunha, who was instrumental in attack for the Red Devils throughout the game, and even thought he had scored a late winner before Kroupi's even later equaliser.

The Brazilian hit the woodwork, created three chances and was one of many standout attacking players in this jaw-dropping spectacle.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. BOURNEMOUTH MATCH STATS

Possession: Manchester United 56%-44% Bournemouth

Shots: Manchester United 25-14 Bournemouth

Shots on target: Manchester United 9-9 Bournemouth

Corners: Manchester United 5-4 Bournemouth

Fouls: Manchester United 15-12 Bournemouth

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Manchester United's final match before Christmas day will see them travel to face Aston Villa, before rounding out the year with clashes against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are scheduled to face Burnley, Brentford and Chelsea in the Premier League before the end of 2025.

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