Rasmus Hojlund strikes at the death to rescue Manchester United in 1-1 EPL draw with Bournemouth

LONDON – Rasmus Hojlund saved Manchester United from a third successive English Premier League defeat with a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 away draw against 10-man Bournemouth on April 27.

Ruben Amorim’s struggling side were rocked by Antoine Semenyo’s first-half opener at the Vitality Stadium.

The turning point came with 20 minutes left when Bournemouth forward Evanilson was controversially sent off.

Initially booked for his tackle on Noussair Mazraoui, the Brazilian was dismissed when the punishment was upgraded after the video assistant referee intervened, even though he appeared to slip before making contact with the United defender.

Semenyo told Sky Sports: “Everyone’s just frustrated. There were challenges (like Evanilson’s) all game. It doesn’t make sense as to why that one was a red card.”

On the brink of a fourth loss in their last five league matches, United scrambled an equaliser through Hojlund deep into stoppage time.

But, despite the late leveller, it was hardly an encouraging display from a moribund United, who are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

On a rare goal for the struggling Danish striker, Amorim said: “It is always important for strikers to score. But when we look at the game as a striker, it is not just the goals.

“It is a good boost but the next game is a new history and we have to go again.”

United have not won the league crown since 2013 and the aim at Old Trafford next season is merely to get back into the top five, rather than battling for the title.

Amorim this week insisted he has “no regrets” about joining United, despite questioning whether he should have delayed his arrival.

But he has endured a torrid time since arriving from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.

United, having managed just six top-flight wins under the Portuguese coach, are guaranteed to record their lowest points total in the Premier League era and could see their worst finish since they were relegated in 1973-74.

The Europa League is United’s last chance to finish the season on a high, with a semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao on May 1.

They will have to improve significantly on this performance to get past the high-flying La Liga side.

Amorim made five changes after last weekend’s defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers, with left-back Luke Shaw deployed as a makeshift central defender in his first start since February 2024.

Kobbie Mainoo found space to test Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a curler in the early stages. Alejandro Garnacho also went close with a fierce strike.

But United’s promising start proved a mirage as Semenyo put Bournemouth ahead in the 23rd minute.

Given a difficult pass by Shaw, the panicked Patrick Dorgu conceded possession and Evanilson flicked it onto Ghana midfielder Semenyo, who drilled a clinical finish into the bottom corner for his ninth league goal this season.

Garnacho almost hauled United level when Bruno Fernandes’ pass was misjudged by Illia Zabarnyi, allowing the winger to race clear for a shot that Arrizabalaga did well to tip over.

Dango Ouattara nearly deceived United’s out-of-position custodian Andre Onana with an audacious shot that smacked off the post.

United were given a lifeline by Evanilson’s 70th-minute red card, with Bournemouth furious as referee Peter Bankes changed his decision to a red card after consulting the pitchside monitor.

Amorim’s men still looked destined to leave empty-handed as nine minutes of stoppage time ticked away.

But, in the 96th minute, Shaw’s cross was flicked on by Manuel Ugarte and Hojlund poked home from close range to spare United’s blushes.

Said Semenyo: “It’s frustrating. We dominated most of the game. We went down to 10 men but I felt we were still quite comfortable.

“We defended so well. The goal we conceded is so frustrating. It feels a loss, to be honest.” AFP