Late Heartbreak for Bournemouth as Hojlund Rescues Manchester United

The full-time whistle at the Vitality Stadium was met with a chorus of frustration from the home fans as Bournemouth were denied a memorable win, conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Bournemouth started brightly and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Antoine Semenyo rifled home a right-footed effort after a slick backheel assist from Evanilson. It was a moment of real quality, lifting the home crowd and putting the Cherries in control heading into the break.

Manchester United had chances to level in the first half, notably through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, but wasteful finishing and strong goalkeeping from Kepa kept the visitors at bay. Bournemouth, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance on the counter, almost doubling their lead when Dango Ouattara rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick early in the second half.

However, the match swung dramatically in the 70th minute. Evanilson was initially booked for a collision with Noussair Mazraoui, but after a VAR review, referee Peter Bankes upgraded it to a straight red card. Down to ten men, Bournemouth faced relentless pressure from the Red Devils.

Despite heroic defending, Bournemouth’s resistance was broken deep into stoppage time. Luke Shaw’s cross found Manuel Ugarte, whose shot towards goal was instinctively tapped in by Rasmus Højlund. After a brief VAR check for offside, the goal stood, and heartbreak was sealed for the Cherries.

The result leaves Bournemouth 10th in the Premier League, their dreams of European football next season taking a dent. Manchester United remain mired in mid-table mediocrity at 14th but will now shift focus to their UEFA Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club on Thursday.

In a game full of drama, missed chances, and VAR controversy, it was ultimately another reminder that in football, it’s not over until the final whistle.