Who was our Man of the Match at Bournemouth?

Sunday 14 April 2024 12:00

Manchester United had to come from behind twice in a 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Bruno Fernandes scored twice on the south coast, in either half, in response to Cherries efforts from Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.

The Reds fought on in search of a winner but ultimately had to settle for the point, despite our second-half improvement.

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90 in 20: Bournemouth v United

The extended highlights from the Reds' south-coast clash are now available to watch...

Andre Onana had been in inspired form in the opening 45 minutes, in which Andoni Iraola’s side recorded 12 shots. Onana notably saved from Kluivert, denying the Dutchman what would have been his second and his team’s third late in the first half.

As well as Andre's contribution, and the influence of Harry Maguire at the back, who overcame a first-half injury to play the full game, it is hard to ignore the impact of Fernandes, who twice hauled United level to ultimately earn a point against the Cherries.

Our skipper was therefore the unsurprising winner of Saturday's Man of the Match award, leading by example on the south coast.

Bruno first slammed home to equalise just after the half-hour mark, having capitalised on a deflected Alejandro Garnacho cross, and he could have had a second equaliser deep in first-half stoppage-time when his delicious curling shot clipped the crossbar.

Fernandes's second-half equaliser did come at a timely hour, though, as he converted confidently from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, a goal which ensured Erik ten Hag's team didn't leave the Vitality Stadium empty-handed.

Who was United's Man of the Match at Bournemouth?poll

Who was United's Man of the Match at Bournemouth?

Bruno won Saturday's poll by a landslide, attracting a whopping 76 per cent of the vote.

Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo were also recognised by supporters, as Harry followed up an impressive defensive showing against Liverpool last weekend with another eye-catching display at the back during the draw with the Cherries.

Kobbie remained calm in the middle of the park, as usual, and made some intelligent passes before being replaced by Mason Mount after 78 minutes.

The aforementioned Onana also earned plaudits, with seven per cent of the vote, having made a string of important stops in the first half.

As well as his vital stop to deny Kluivert from point-blank range, another noteworthy intervention from our goalkeeper saw him save what looked a certain goal from Ryan Christie, soon after the hosts had taken the lead through Solanke.

But it is Fernandes who takes home the award, following another talismanic display for the Reds.

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