At the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth thanks to two goals from Bruno Fernandes (29).
United realized a strong performance was required as they made the arduous journey to the south coast, having lost seven points from winning positions in their previous three Premier League games.
But Andoni Iraola’s team controlled the first 25 minutes, and Dominic Solanke’s brilliant finish into the bottom corner after Willy Kambwala stumbled was a reward for their early pressure.
Equipped with every advantage, the Cherries nearly doubled their lead when Luis Sinisterra’s low shot went just wide of the far post and Milos Kerkez’s close range attempt was blocked by Andre Onana.
Bournemouth’s missed chances cost them, as United’s captain Fernandes equalized against the run of play by pouncing on a loose ball in the box and smashing a shot into the roof of the net.
Relentlessly, the hosts generated opportunities at will and quickly got back in front when Justin Kluivert cut inside and finished with assurance past Onana at his near post.
The competition was still end-to-end, as Kerkez and Fernandes both hit the woodwork prior to the break.
Similar to the first half, the first half’s opening minutes saw Kluivert and Solanke give the hosts half-chances that were wide of the mark.
Even though they were behind, United had a fantastic chance to tie the score when Adam Smith was harshly sent off for a handball in the box. Fernandes took advantage of the situation to score his second goal of the game by sending Neto the wrong way.
Even though both teams gave it their all and the home team’s penalty was eventually overturned, a winning goal finally proved to be elusive in the last 20 minutes of play.
With six games remaining, Erik ten Hag’s team is still 10 points outside of the Champions League spots, despite the fact that the Cherries have now played five straight Premier League games without a loss at home.