Manchester United faced a lot of difficulties when traveling to Bournemouth’s stadium for the 32nd round of the Premier League. In the first leg at Old Trafford, Andoni Iraola’s team caused a shock by defeating Manchester United 3-0. Considering their current form, Bournemouth doesn’t fear the Red Devils. Before losing to Luton Town in the last round, they were unbeaten in 5 consecutive matches, with 4 wins.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s form has been inconsistent. This time they have to play away against a team that is psychologically comfortable because Bournemouth is almost certain of avoiding relegation. Therefore, Manchester United faces significant challenges.

The Red Devils are performing terribly compared to the home team

As predicted, Coach Erik ten Hag couldn’t field the strongest lineup due to several key defenders being injured. Young talent Willy Kambwala was once again chosen to pair with Harry Maguire in central defense.

However, it was Kambwala who cost Manchester United dearly with two goals conceded in the first half. In the 16th minute, Dominic Solanke scored from a long-range shot just outside the penalty area. Prior to that, Kambwala’s defending was quite amateurish, as he stumbled and fell, allowing Solanke to easily get the ball.

Then, in the 36th minute, Juston Kuilvert fired a powerful shot from a narrow angle to beat Andre Onana. Once again, Kambwala was caught out defensively. The young talent failed to close down, giving the opposing player ample opportunity to score.

In between the two home team goals was Bruno Fernandes’s equalizer to make it 1-1. In a completely deadlock situation, Manchester United unexpectedly found the equalizer. From a scramble inside the box, Alejandro Garnacho made a neat pass inside for Fernandes to tap in past the Bournemouth goalkeeper.

If it weren’t for luck, Bournemouth could have scored at least two more goals before halftime. The statistics truly show Bournemouth’s superiority in the first 45 minutes. They had 12 shots, with 5 on target, while Manchester United only managed 5 shots with 1 on target.

In the second half, the game remained unchanged. However, Manchester United once again found luck on their side. From a shot by Mainoo, the ball deflected off a Bournemouth player’s leg before hitting the hand of Adam Smith inside the penalty area, leading the referee to award a penalty to the Red Devils.

From the penalty spot, Fernandes made no mistake to complete his brace in the match, leveling the game once again. In the remaining minutes, both teams made efforts to attack and created several opportunities towards the opponent’s goal.

However, no further goals were scored. Manchester United has only won 1 out of their last 7 Premier League matches. The 2-2 draw leaves them in 7th place, level on points with Newcastle United but behind on goal difference.

Manchester United seems to have lost hope of securing a Champions League spot for next season. They are trailing Tottenham and Aston Villa by a significant 10 points.

Result: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United

Goals: Solanke 16′, Kluivert 36′ – Fernandes 31′, 65′