Bruno Fernandes scores twice as Man United draw with Bournemouth, increasing pressure on coach Erik ten Hag

Further pressure was heaped on Erik ten Hag after Man United again dropped points with a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

Ten Hag’s men were tormented for much of an uninspiring performance in Dorset and twice trailed in the first half following goals from Cherries pair Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.

Solanke had given the hosts the lead after capitalising on a slip by Willy Kambwala, before firing past Andre Onana to net his 17th league goal of the season. 

Bournemouth went close to a third when a downward header from Milos Kerkez bounced up onto the crossbar. 

Then in first-half stoppage-time, Fernandes saw his long-range effort clip the top of the woodwork. 

Yet outstanding Bournemouth, who also wasted numerous other chances, should have have been out of sight by then. 

Fernandes denied the hosts a maiden league double over the 20-time English champions by converting a 65th-minute penalty after Adam Smith inexplicably handled. 

Bournemouth had an added-time penalty award overturned by VAR as a disjointed United escaped the Vitality Stadium with a scarcely-deserved 2-2 draw. 

Referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot five minutes beyond the 90 when Ryan Christie went down under a challenge from Kambwala before changing his decision to a free-kick on review after advice by VAR official Jarred Gillett.

United move on to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Coventry sitting seventh in the table and with European qualification for next term still far from assured following another disappointing display of an unconvincing season, which extended their winless run to four top-flight games.

‘Individual mistakes cost us,’ Ten Hag bemoaned post-match. 

‘We have players that can do better with the ball. Like I say on the right side, just go with the opponent and close it. 

‘It’s a small part of the game and it’s about collaboration, but the main part is discipline.

‘These players gave their maximum, they are young, inexperienced and to do it every game in a tough Premier League you have to get used to it. 

‘But that is the demand of Man United. Every opponent is so eager to win versus us. 

‘Bournemouth went to their limits and every opponent will go to their limits against us but we have to show resistance and have to control and dominate it.’

Meanwhile, Bournemouth, who were watched by owner Bill Foley, remain in 12th, as they battle to finish in the top half. 

‘I don’t score too many from that range but it was nice to get one of those,’ Cherries talisman Solanke said.

‘I knew I started the game well. I saw him (Kambwala) slip out of the corner of my eye. I saw that space in front of me and I just had one thought on my mind. It was a good finish.’

Reflecting on netting his 17th goal of the season, the most of any Bournemouth player in a single campaign in Premier League history, Solanke added: ‘Football is crazy sometimes. I probably wouldn’t have thought I’d score that many this season. 

‘But we’ve been great this season as a team. The manager’s been great since coming in. 

‘I’ve managed to get a few good chances this season. It’s suited me and I’ve benefited from that.’