In a staggering departure from the norm, AFC Bournemouth arrived at Old Trafford, scored four goals, and still didn't win. The Cherries' usual 3-0 victory on this ground was replaced by a 4-4 draw in what will be remembered as the most chaotic Premier League match of the season to date.
Manchester United exploded from the blocks, taking an early lead and registering 12 shots before Bournemouth could muster a single attempt. Yet, by the final whistle, both sides were left with a palpable sense of disappointment, feeling they had dropped two points rather than gained one. "We should have more goals and it should be a different result at half-time," admitted United manager Ruben Amorim post-match.
Amorim's Hybrid System Shows Glimpses of United's Potential
The pre-match talk around Old Trafford centred on one major question: had the steadfast Amorim finally abandoned his trusted back three? The warm-up, with only four defenders in bibs, suggested a shift. However, when Amad Diallo picked up a bib, the game commenced with a familiar back five.
The reality was a fascinating hybrid. Out of possession, United deployed a clear 4-4-2 formation, with Leny Yoro at right-back, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw centrally, and Diogo Dalot on the left. In attack, it often morphed back into a three. "We need to have more variability in our game," Amorim explained, citing the impending loss of wingers Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The first-half payoff was spectacular. United produced their most electrifying football of the Amorim era, recording a non-penalty Expected Goals (xG) of 2.49, 17 shots, and 30 touches in the Bournemouth box – all league-high metrics for any side this season. "It was almost a throwback to Sir Alex Ferguson," praised Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
Familiar Defensive Frailties Undo United's Brilliance
Yet, the story of United's season under Amorim is one of extreme contrasts. For all their first-half dominance, they led only 2-1 at the break. Then, mirroring their collapse at Nottingham Forest, they switched off immediately after half-time.
Bournemouth struck twice in six minutes through Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier to turn the game on its head at 3-2. United, looking defensively vulnerable regardless of shape, were forced to rely on their captain, Bruno Fernandes, who levelled at 3-3. Matheus Cunha then put United 4-3 up, only for Bournemouth substitute Eliesse Kroupi to equalise late on. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens' stunning injury-time save from David Brooks finally salvaged a point.
"Absolute madness. End-to-end. Punch for punch," summarised Gary Neville. Amorim conceded his team must learn to close games out, stating, "This happened many times… it's part of the process."
Antoine Semenyo Shines Amid Controversy
The match also served as a potent showcase for Bournemouth's in-demand forward, Antoine Semenyo. Despite being fortunate to avoid a red card for grabbing Diogo Dalot by the throat, the Ghanaian was a constant menace. His crisp finish for Bournemouth's first goal underlined his quality, and his all-round performance will have done little to deter suitors like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who are all aware of his reported £65 million release clause.
Looking ahead, United face a significant reshuffle. The departures of Amad and Mbeumo to AFCON, coupled with Casemiro's suspension for the trip to Aston Villa, leave Amorim with a major puzzle. "That is the fun part of being a manager," he said wryly. Given United's previous struggles without Casemiro, the coming weeks will be a stern test of Amorim's adaptability and squad depth.
