Rasmus Hojlund spared Manchester United from suffering a third consecutive Premier League defeat with a dramatic late equaliser in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim’s struggling side were left reeling after Antoine Semenyo gave Bournemouth the lead in the first half at the Vitality Stadium.
The match’s complexion shifted with 20 minutes remaining when Bournemouth forward Evanilson was controversially sent off.
Initially shown a yellow card for his challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, Evanilson’s punishment was upgraded to a red following a VAR review, despite appearing to slip before making contact with the United defender.
Facing the prospect of a fourth defeat in five league outings, United salvaged a point as Hojlund scored deep into stoppage time.
With bitter rivals Liverpool aiming to secure a 20th English title by avoiding defeat against Tottenham later on Sunday, United headed home grateful to have avoided more embarrassment in a wretched campaign.
But despite Hojlund’s late leveller, it was hardly an encouraging display from moribund United, who are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
Liverpool will move level with United as England’s joint most successful top-flight club when they are crowned champions.
Man United haven’t won the title since 2013 and the aim at Old Trafford next season is merely to get back into the top five, rather than battling with Liverpool for a 21st crown.
Amorim this week insisted he has “no regrets” about joining United despite questioning whether he should have delayed his arrival.
But Amorim has endured a torrid time since arriving from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.
Man United have managed just six top-flight wins under the Portuguese coach, are guaranteed to record their lowest points total in the Premier League era and could record the club’s worst finish since they were relegated in 1973-74.
The Europa League is United’s last chance to finish the season on a high, with a semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
They will have to improve significantly on this performance to get past the highflying La Liga side.
– United Snatch a Point Late –
Amorim made five changes to the side that lost to Wolves, notably starting left-back Luke Shaw as a makeshift central defender for the first time since February 2024.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo created an early chance, forcing Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into a save with a curling shot.
Alejandro Garnacho nearly opened the scoring with a powerful strike that narrowly missed the target.
But Man United’s promising start proved a mirage in the south-coast sunshine as Semenyo put Bournemouth ahead in the 23rd minute.
Given a difficult pass by Shaw, the panicked Patrick Dorgu conceded possession and Evanilson flicked it onto Ghana midfielder Semenyo, who drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner for his 11th goal this season.
Garnacho almost hauled Man United level when Bruno Fernandes’s pass was misjudged by Illia Zabarnyi, allowing the winger to race clear for a shot that Kepa did well to tip over.
Dango Ouattara nearly deceived Man United’s out-of-position keeper Andre Onana with an audacious shot that smacked off the post.
Man United were given a lifeline by Evanilson’s 70th-minute red card, with Bournemouth furious as referee Peter Bankes changed his decision to a red card after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Amorim’s men still looked destined to leave empty-handed as nine minutes’ stoppage time ticked away.
But in the 96th minute, Shaw’s cross was flicked on by Manuel Ugarte and Hojlund poked home from close range to spare United’s blushes.
What you should know
Rasmus Hojlund’s dramatic stoppage-time goal not only saved Manchester United from a third straight league defeat but also provided a much-needed morale boost during an otherwise bleak season.
Ruben Amorim, who took charge mid-season from Erik ten Hag, has struggled to rejuvenate the team, with United languishing in 14th place and set for their worst points haul in Premier League history.
The controversial red card issued to Bournemouth’s Evanilson, after a VAR review, played a crucial role in shifting momentum toward United.
Despite salvaging a draw, United’s performance raises concerns ahead of their crucial Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s ongoing title push threatens to match United’s historic 20 league titles, further adding pressure on Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford.
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