Manchester United and Bournemouth delivered an exciting 4-4 draw at Old Trafford. The match featured eight different goal scorers, with United losing three separate leads. Despite leading 1-0, 2-1, and 4-3, United couldn't secure the win. Bournemouth also led 3-2 at one point, showcasing a thrilling contest in this Premier League season.
Ruben Amorim's team started strong, taking the lead in the 13th minute through Amad Diallo. This was Diallo's last game before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. Bournemouth responded after Marcus Tavernier missed a header, equalising in the 40th minute when Antoine Semenyo capitalised on Luke Shaw's error.
United regained their advantage in first-half stoppage time with Casemiro's header slipping past Djordje
Petrovic. However, just six minutes into the second half, they were trailing again. Tavernier set up Evanilson for a quick equaliser and then scored a stunning free-kick to make it 3-2 for Bournemouth.
Bruno Fernandes brought United back with a superb free-kick into the top-right corner. Matheus Cunha then put United ahead again by converting Benjamin Sesko's deflected cross to make it 4-3. Yet, Bournemouth substitute Junior Kroupi scored in the 84th minute to level the match once more.
This match marked only the third time United scored four or more goals in a Premier League game without winning. They previously drew 4-4 with Everton in April 2012 and tied 5-5 with West Brom in May 2013 during Alex Ferguson's last game as manager.
The first half was particularly intense, with United attempting 17 shots and achieving an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.49. They also had 30 touches inside Bournemouth's penalty area—more than any team has managed in a Premier League first half this season.
Bournemouth's Impressive Record
Bournemouth made history by becoming the first English top-flight team to score three or more goals on three consecutive visits to Old Trafford. Their four goals came from an xG of just 1.92, highlighting their clinical finishing ability.
The standout moments included direct free-kicks from Fernandes and Tavernier. This was the first Premier League match since January 2012 where both teams scored directly from free-kicks—then it was Queens Park Rangers against Wigan Athletic featuring Akos Buzsaky and Hugo Rodallega.
Despite David Brooks missing two late chances for Bournemouth to win, both teams settled for a point each after an exhilarating encounter that will be remembered for its attacking flair and dramatic twists.
