Manchester United's capacity for self-destruction was laid bare in a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night, leaving manager Ruben Amorim under intense scrutiny.
A Game of Wild Swings
The match was a rollercoaster from the outset. United, showing the intensity and directness demanded of them, dominated early proceedings. They registered a dozen attempts on goal before Bournemouth managed a single one. The pressure told when Amad Diallo nodded in from close range after a Diogo Dalot cross caused havoc.
However, a fundamental flaw in this United side – a tendency to concede high-quality chances – quickly surfaced. Antoine Semenyo expertly drilled in an equaliser, capitalising on defensive uncertainty. Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier then missed a glorious headed chance, but United's reprieve was brief.
Defensive Frailties Exposed
Some poor goalkeeping from Bournemouth's Djordje Petrovic allowed Casemiro to restore United's lead with a simple header. Yet, the home side's vulnerability was highlighted again almost immediately after the restart. A clever pass from Tavernier set up Evanilson to score within a minute of the second half beginning, exposing United's sluggishness.
The inconsistency within the single ninety minutes was startling. From a vibrant first-half display, United became insipid. A sloppy Bruno Fernandes pass led to a Bournemouth break, resulting in a free-kick which Tavernier cleverly converted to put the visitors ahead before the hour mark.
Late Drama and Familiar Failings
Facing a Bournemouth side with just one point from their previous five games, United rallied. Bruno Fernandes curled in a sublime free-kick to level, before Matheus Cunha thought he had won it, tucking in United's fourth to spark wild celebrations.
But this is a United team that finds fresh ways not to secure victory. As Amorim stood calmly on the touchline, perhaps anticipating what was to come, Junior Kroupi slid home a late equaliser to share the points in a remarkable eight-goal thriller. United had late saves from goalkeeper Senne Lammens to thank for avoiding a humiliating defeat.
The result is a hammer blow for United's ambitions. With a reduced schedule and reasonable squad depth, operating at full pelt in every Premier League fixture is a minimum requirement. In a season where the competition's standard has dipped, a top-four finish is there for the taking. Anything less should be deemed unacceptable for a club of this stature.
Amorim now faces renewed pressure. His team's sloppiness and inability to see out games was there for all to see at Old Trafford. With key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo soon departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, finding consistency and defensive resolve becomes an even more urgent task.
