Manchester United’s push for a Champions League place suffered a setback after they surrendered the lead twice in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Friday.
Michael Carrick has suffered only one defeat in 10 matches since taking over at Old Trafford, but his side had to battle for a point after Harry Maguire was shown a late red card.
In a game marked by three penalty incidents — with two awarded and one ignored — Bruno Fernandes fired United ahead early in the second half.
Bournemouth responded almost immediately through Ryan Christie, just moments after United felt they should have been given another penalty.
The visitors went in front again after James Hill turned the ball into his own net, but Maguire was later sent off for hauling down Evanilson in the box, allowing Junior Kroupi to rescue a point for Andoni Iraola’s side.
United, who failed to qualify for the Champions League in each of the last two seasons, stayed third in the table and extended their lead over sixth-placed Chelsea to seven points.
A top-five finish is expected to be enough for Champions League qualification because of the strong performances of English clubs in Europe this season.
The last meeting between the two teams ended in an entertaining 4-4 draw in December, and this contest also delivered plenty of action from start to finish.
United created the clearer chances in a scoreless first half, with Djordje Petrovic making fine saves to stop Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
However, all four goals came within a dramatic 20-minute spell after the break.
Fernandes calmly converted from the spot after Matheus Cunha was fouled by Alex Jimenez.
Shortly after, United appealed for another penalty when Diallo went down under pressure from Adrien Truffert, but referee Stuart Attwell allowed play to continue.
Bournemouth quickly broke forward and equalised, with Truffert setting up Christie to score.
United restored their advantage just four minutes later when Hill diverted Fernandes’ corner into his own goal.
Bournemouth almost struck back again through Alex Scott, whose effort hit the crossbar, before they eventually found their equaliser.
Maguire, who had earlier earned a recall to the England squad for the first time since September 2024, was dismissed for dragging back Evanilson as he raced towards goal.
Kroupi then stepped up and converted from the penalty spot, sending Senne Lammens the wrong way to score the ninth Premier League goal of his debut season in England.
Bournemouth pushed hard to take advantage of their extra man in the closing stages, but they had to settle for a draw.
The result extended the Cherries’ unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches.
However, their streak of five straight draws has done little to improve their hopes of securing European football next season, with the club sitting 10th in the table.