Rasmus Hojlund scored a 96th-minute leveller as Manchester United drew 1-1 with 10-man Bournemouth in Sunday's Premier League contest at the Vitality Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo, who is believed to be a transfer target for Man United, sent Bournemouth ahead in the 23rd minute when he smashed the ball past Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana.
There was a game-changing moment in the 68th minute, though, with Evanilson shown a straight red card for a lunging challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, with the decision being made by the referee after advice from the VAR.
Bournemouth looked to have done enough to hold on for their first-ever Premier League double over Man United, but the visitors equalised in the 96th minute through Hojlund, with the Denmark international turning into the back of the net from close range.
The result has moved Man United back into 14th spot in the Premier League table, while Bournemouth remain 10th, with the Cherries 11 points clear of the team that they tackled on Sunday afternoon.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Man United needed a result here - not for the Premier League, as there is nothing for the Red Devils to play for late in their domestic campaign, but it would have been a major blow to enter the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao off the back of another defeat in the Premier League.
Head coach Ruben Amorim named a strong side for the clash at the Vitality Stadium, and the match will go down as a success considering that no injuries have been reported, and it was a solid result against a strong Bournemouth outfit.
Hojlund desperately need a goal, and the forward managed to get his name on the scoresheet late on, which should stand him in good stead ahead of what is a gigantic game at San Mames on Thursday night.
It is very much Europa league or bust for Man United late in the campaign, and an extremely poor season would become a successful one if they were to win the Europa League, which would secure Champions League football for next season.
Semenyo is believed to be one of the players on Man United's radar, and the Bournemouth attacker made his point with a strong performance and an excellent goal, which could aid his chances of earning a big-money switch during the summer market.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. MAN UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Antoine Semenyo goal vs. Man United (23rd min, Bournemouth 1-0 Man United)
What a hit from Antoine Semenyo! 💥 pic.twitter.com/mVzoix8Cgs
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 27, 2025
Bournemouth take the lead in the 23rd minute of the match, and it is a wonderful strike from Semenyo, as the attacker smashes one into the back of the net from inside the box; the power that he generated on the shot was quite something.
68th min: Evanilson (Bournemouth) red card
Evanilson is sent off for a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui after a VAR check 🟥🎥 pic.twitter.com/KTHyNpRXfE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 27, 2025
Bournemouth are reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute, as Evanilson is given a straight red card for a poor tackle on Mazraoui; the referee initially gave a yellow card, but following advice from VAR, it has been decided that the striker should be sent off.
Evanilson slipped before falling into Mazraoui, but the nature of the challenge is deemed to have been reckless.
Rasmus Hojlund goal vs. Bournemouth (96th min, Bournemouth 1-1 Man United)
Rasmus Hojlund equalises for Manchester United in injury time! 💪 pic.twitter.com/BQ3rx09VcA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 27, 2025
Man United level the scores in the sixth minute of additional time at the end of the 90, and it is a much-needed goal for Hojlund, as the Denmark international turns into the back of the net from close range after Manuel Ugarte had poked towards goal.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTOINE SEMENYO
© Imago
Semenyo's strike to send Bournemouth ahead was sensational, and he remained a huge threat for the Cherries, with Man United finding it difficult to deal with his pace and power in the forward areas.
The 25-year-old was also excellent in possession, boasting a pass success rate of 89%, while he made two tackles to help his side out defensively, so it was a performance that would have made Man United take notice.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. MAN UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Bournemouth 39%-61% Man United
Shots: Bournemouth 8-25 Man United
Shots on target: Bournemouth 1-6 Man United
Corners: Bournemouth 5-10 Man United
Fouls: Bournemouth 11-12 Man United
BEST STATS
Antoine Semenyo has now attempted more shots than any other Premier League player this season.
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 27, 2025
◉ 117 - Antoine Semenyo
◎ 116 - Mohamed Salah
◎ 115 - Cole Palmer
Letting fly. ☄️ pic.twitter.com/GPuLJAb7qq
Bournemouth have won 50 points in a single season for the first time ever in the Premier League.
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 27, 2025
Andoni Iraola's side make history. 🍒 pic.twitter.com/14oZnNxp8u
No player has made more key passes than Bruno Fernandes (84) in Europe's top five leagues this season. 🔐 pic.twitter.com/UJf5OIPif1
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) April 27, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Man United will now switch their attention to the Europa League, preparing to take on Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday evening, before returning to league action away to Brentford next Sunday.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will continue their league campaign away to Arsenal on Saturday, before returning to the Vitality Stadium on May 10 for a home fixture against beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Aston Villa.
Matt Law
