Manchester United scored a last-minute equaliser to rescue a point against Bournemouth in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United started the game brightly, aiming to match Bournemouth’s pace and physicality, but it was the hosts who struck first, with Antoine Semenyo finding the net just after the 20-minute mark.
Despite United’s efforts to respond, Alejandro Garnacho couldn’t capitalise on a few promising opportunities, and Andoni Iraola’s side went into half-time with a deserved lead.
After the break, much of United’s attacking threat came through Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu down the left wing. The game shifted in the 70th minute when Evanilson was shown a red card for a foul on Noussair Mazraoui.
Late chances fell to Chido Obi and Mason Mount, but it was Rasmus Højlund who finally delivered, scoring in the 96th minute to snatch a point for Amorim’s team.
United icon delivers assessment on Fernandes vs Bournemouth
During the game, Bruno Fernandes had several opportunities to score but couldn’t find the magic moment. It looked so close when one of his shots late on hit the side-netting.
The Portuguese captain created the most chances of any player on the pitch with seven, but his missed chances were highlighted by one United icon.
Sammy McIlroy suggested that – with Fernandes usually being so “lethal” in front of goal – the fact that he was misfiring was probably the main reason why United didn’t come away with three points.
“To be fair, Fernandes is usually lethal in them situations, [but] today he was a little bit off target and didn’t score,” McIlroy told club media.
“But you’ve seen him score from situations that he missed today and that’s probably why we didn’t win the game because Bruno was just a little bit off.”
Unfair Fernandes trend emerging
McIlroy’s assessment is completely true. When Fernandes is not grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck, it feels like United’s chances of winning games is significantly lowered.
This has always seemed to be the case since he arrived in 2020, but it has never been as obvious as it has been this season.
It feels like a slightly unfair trend is occurring for United’s captain, who shouldn’t have to be the one to deliver in the final third for this team.
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Fernandes’ role this term means that he’s doing so much more than scoring and assisting – but he still has the pressure to deliver those moments since many of his teammates cannot be relied upon.
Bringing in quality forward players for Fernandes to play alongside is a must this summer and hopefully there will not be as much pressure on him to produce huge moments every single game.
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