Ruben Amorim seeks clinical Manchester United after ‘crazy’ Bournemouth EPL clash

LONDON – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said his side had inspired the Old Trafford crowd in a pulsating 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, but must be more ruthless to turn draws into victories.

Three times the Red Devils led the Cherries on Dec 15 in arguably the best offensive English Premier League performance of Amorim’s reign in charge.

Matheus Cunha netted just his second goal for the club, Bruno Fernandes curled in a brilliant free kick and Amad Diallo signed off for the Africa Cup of Nations with the opening goal.

But United’s defensive frailties, without the experienced Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, were exposed as they failed to win for the third consecutive home game.

Amorim was frustrated by the wasted chances during a dominant first half.

“We are really disappointed. Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half, but I think we lost them in the first half,” said the Portuguese coach.

“We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.

“In the end, we deserved more. It was a fun game for everyone at home. People, especially at Old Trafford, want to win but they want to be inspired to see a team play good football.

“We did that in certain moments. It was a good performance, but we need to be more clinical because we created so many chances.”

A point edges United up to sixth in the Premier League, just two points off the top four.

Diallo scored in the 13th minute and Bournemouth equalised through Antoine Semenyo in the 40th minute.

Casemiro restored United’s lead on the stroke of half-time, but they were pegged back again when Evanilson struck seconds after the break.

Marcus Tavernier netted in the 52nd minute, but United fought back with Fernandes’ free kick in the 77th.

Cunha thought he had scored the winner 11 minutes from full time, but the night had one more twist as Eli Junior Kroupi had the last word.

United also had goalkeeper Senne Lammens to thank for extending a remarkable record – not losing a home league match they were winning at half-time since 1984 as he made two stoppage-time saves from David Brooks.

“Lammens did really well. There were opportunities for both sides, but we created more,” added Amorim. “We need to find ways of closing the games because this happened many times.

“That’s part of the process. We try to do things the best we can, but in some moments it’s not enough.”

Each side had nine shots on target in a game that will go down as a classic, with end-to-end action. As the final whistle blew after 100 exhausting minutes, it was hard to say whether either team left feeling satisfied.

“I suppose for the neutrals, it’s been a nice game,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports.

“It had everything. Moments where you think it’s a loss. Moments where you think we have this one, we are comfortable. You didn’t even know if we were happy finishing the game or give us one minute more.” AFP, REUTERS