Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United: Christie 67, Kroupi 81 pen; Fernandes 61 pen, Hill 71 o.g.
Manchester United simply cannot shake off Bournemouth. December’s deflating 4-4 draw at Old Trafford was followed by a 2-2 stalemate at the Vitality Stadium.
Last season, there was a similar draw here, and in fact United have not managed a win against the Cherries in three years, since they won 1-0 at the Vitality in May 2023 in Erik ten Hag’s first season. Since then, in six meetings United have lost twice by a three-goal margin and played out four draws.
Bitter frustration for Michael Carrick on this occasion as United came into the tie fancying their chances as the league’s in-form team, and the interim coach would have slept more comfortably in the three-week break that will follow this game if his side had succeeded in putting some daylight between them and the Champions League rivals just below them.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 20, 2026
There was also a topsy-turvy day for Harry Maguire, who in 24 hours experienced some satisfying highs and then a disappointing low. First the defender’s hard work over the past year to return to form was recognised by an England recall, the first time he will wear the England shirt since September 2024.
He followed that up hours later by forcing an error to put United 2-1 up at the Vitality, only to then concede a penalty and get sent off in the closing stages as Bournemouth rallied and equalised.
United had led through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty just after the hour. Matheus Cunha, cutting in from the left flank, tumbled under a pull of the shirt by Alex Jimenez and United’s captain converted.
Respect to the travelling Reds on our longest away trip of the season 👏
Incredible backing throughout — we’ll see you again in April 🫶 pic.twitter.com/zXYuvBzngx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 20, 2026
But the lead lasted only six minutes. Another penalty shout for United was waved away when Amad Diallo went down under a challenge from Adrien Truffert. Then the Cherries broke immediately and Ryan Christie swept beyond Senne Lammens. There was to be no reprieve from VAR.
Within four minutes, United were ahead again. Fernandes’ in-swinging corner was flicked on by Marcos Senesi, and James Hill headed into his own net under pressure from Maguire. But the visitors’ lead always looked too unlikely to last. Evanilson soon burst through on goal and Maguire’s desperate grab as the last man was punished by a straight red card. first by Ryan Christie’s crisp strike and finally by Eli Junior Kroupi made no mistake.
