Bournemouth rescue late point in insane 4-4 thriller at Old Trafford

Manchester United and Bournemouth played out a breathtaking 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, sharing the points in one of the most dramatic Premier League matches of the season. The eight-goal thriller saw both sides lead at different stages, with a late equaliser from Bournemouth teenager Junior Kroupi ensuring a result that will live long in the memory.​

First-half twists

United started on the front foot and were rewarded on 13 minutes when Amad Diallo finished a slick move to put the hosts 1-0 up. Bournemouth gradually grew into the game and levelled just before the interval, Antoine Semenyo striking five minutes before half-time to punish some slack defending. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Casemiro restored United’s advantage with a close-range finish, sending Rúben Amorim’s side in 2-1 ahead at the break.​

Bournemouth fightback

The visitors emerged transformed after half-time and stunned Old Trafford with a rapid turnaround. Evanilson struck to make it 2-2, before Marcus Tavernier curled in a superb free-kick to put Andoni Iraola’s team 3-2 up and briefly in control of a chaotic contest. United looked rattled defensively but continued to create chances in an increasingly open game.​

United’s response

Bruno Fernandes dragged United back into the match with a brilliant free-kick of his own, levelling the score at 3-3 as the momentum swung yet again. Moments later, Matheus Cunha struck to make it 4-3 to United, capping a relentless attacking display that showcased the home side’s firepower under Amorim. However, the failure to control transitions and protect the lead left the door open for another Bournemouth twist.​

Kroupi’s late equaliser

With six minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Junior Kroupi produced the decisive moment for Bournemouth. Latching onto a driving run and pass from Alex Jimenez, the teenager powered through to slot home the 84th-minute equaliser, silencing the home crowd and sealing the 4-4 scoreline. In stoppage time, David Brooks went close twice and Senne Lammens made a vital save, as Bournemouth threatened to snatch an unlikely victory.​

What the result means

The draw keeps Manchester United sixth in the Premier League table on 26 points, with questions persisting over their defensive organisation despite an improved attacking output. Bournemouth, now 13th on 21 points, extended their winless league run to seven matches but will take confidence from scoring four at Old Trafford and matching a top-six side in an open contest. For neutrals, the match will be remembered as a festive classic; for both managers, it was a reminder that thrilling football still carries a heavy price when control is missing.​

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