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Rasmus Hojlund scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn Manchester United a late point in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Cherries made a strong start on the south coast, limiting United’s chances before capitalising on a defensive error.
Antoine Semenyo rifled in an accomplished finish to give Bournemouth a deserved lead at the break.
Read more: Manchester United fight back from 2-0 down to draw with Everton in dramatic clash
United struggled for much of the match and nearly fell further behind when Dango Ouattara’s free-kick rattled the woodwork.
However, the visitors were handed a lifeline when Evanilson was controversially sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui.
In a match reported by The Independent, United increased the pressure after the dismissal, with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes going close, before Hojlund bundled home from close range after Luke Shaw’s cross deep into stoppage time to rescue a point — and some pride — ahead of their Europa League semi-final.
Rasmus Hojlund’s late strike denied 10-man Bournemouth what would have been a crucial victory.
The Cherries had looked on course for their 16th defeat of a difficult Premier League season after Semenyo’s 23rd-minute opener, but Evanilson’s red card shifted the momentum, allowing United to escape with a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
United now turn their attention to the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao on 1 May in the Basque city, while Bournemouth next face Arsenal on Saturday, 3 May.
Iraola: “It is very frustrating”
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola expressed his frustration at the result, saying:
“This win would have meant a lot to us. A point is a big difference.”
On Evanilson’s red card, he said:
“Everyone who has played football understands — he slips. He doesn’t catch him properly with the leg that goes high, but the consequence is a red card. It’s another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge.
Of course, we are going to appeal. The VAR showed the worst angle.”
Reflecting on the race for European qualification, Iraola added:
“We are in a worse position than we were at the start of the weekend, but we still have four difficult games to play. We are still in the fight.
It is difficult to look positively at the moment. We need a few hours.”
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