Manchester United and Bournemouth played out a relentless 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in a match defined by rapid momentum swings and clinical finishing. United twice led in the first half before Bournemouth rallied after the interval to take a 3-2 lead. United then moved ahead again, only for Junior Kroupi to force an 84th-minute equaliser and ensure the points were shared.

The evening began with United dominant. Diogo Dalot’s cross caused confusion in the box and Amad nodded in the opener. Bournemouth responded through Antoine Semenyo, who cut through hesitant passing on the hosts’ left and finished into the bottom corner. Casemiro restored United’s lead with a late first-half header from a corner.

The second half exposed the space left by an isolated United midfield. Marcus Tavernier exploited that gap, first laying on a chance that Evanilson finished and then scoring himself after a quick counter-attack to give Bournemouth a 3-2 advantage. United hit back quickly: Bruno Fernandes produced a top-corner free kick to level and Matheus Cunha fired United back in front shortly after.

Kroupi’s composed finish amid a cluster of defenders brought Bournemouth level again at 4-4. At the death, Senne Lammens made two superb stoppage-time saves to deny Bournemouth a winner.

Several United performers stood out. Bruno Fernandes was influential in possession and scored from a free kick. Amad received strong marks for his industrious contribution, while Matheus Cunha’s movement caused persistent problems for the visitors. Senne Lammens made important late saves despite being beaten by precise finishes from Semenyo and Evanilson earlier.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had warned his players of the difficulty ahead: “It’s true that we have good memories,” Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola wistfully recalled of his recent trips to Old Trafford ahead of kickoff. “Unfortunately, today is going to be more difficult.” Ahead of the game Amorim told his players, “A change is coming,” but the wholesale tactical shift that had been suggested did not materialise on the night.

The game finished level after eighty-eight minutes of end-to-end action that left both sets of supporters with plenty to digest. Statistically United edged possession and xG but the final scoreline reflected a match of constant openings and exposed defensive moments.

Manchester United have opened a monitoring file on United States international Tyler Adams as they explore cost-effective midfield reinforcements ahead of the January window. Fabrizio Romano reports Adams has emerged as a candidate to potentially succeed Casemiro, with the 20-time English champions viewing the Bournemouth midfielder as a more realistic, cheaper option than other targets.

Sources suggest Adams could carry a manageable £40 million ($53.5 million) price tag, but the fee may prove secondary. The Cherries reportedly “insist” on keeping the USMNT midfielder and consider him a very “important” player. With the likelihood of Antoine Semenyo leaving Bournemouth, the club would be vulnerable if they also lost Adams.

Manchester United continue to prioritise Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton at the top of their midfield wishlist, and the club is expected to allow wantaway midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to leave this winter. Against that backdrop, Adams represents a cheaper alternative who can operate as the engine in front of the back line.

Ruben Amorim and Manchester United will get a close look at Adams when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford on Monday evening. The match is also notable for Adams personally: he has fond early memories of the stadium and has spoken openly about its influence on his ambitions.

“It’s just a special occasion,” Adams said on the Men in Blazers podcast . “This is what you grow up watching, whether you’re a fan or not. A fan of Manchester United walking into Old Trafford will change your perspective on everything.

“I played against Manchester United at Old Trafford during COVID[-19] with RB Leipzig. That was the first time I walked into Old Trafford and I was like, my dream is really to play in the Premier League because this is what it’s about right here.

“… Now being able to go back and play there multiple times and have good results, especially makes it a little bit better. So yeah, I always get excited to play against United.”

Adams, who won November’s Premier League Goal of the Month for his 47-yard strike against Sunderland, will be aiming for a commanding display to reinforce his standing as a realistic January target.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered measured praise for Bournemouth and their manager Andoni Iraola as the Red Devils prepare to host the Cherries at Old Trafford on Monday night. Bournemouth have slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after a poor run of results, but Amorim warned that their recent form does not tell the whole story.

United have recovered in recent weeks, taking seven points from the last nine available and recording away wins at Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory over Bournemouth would see United move into the Premier League’s top four at the end of the weekend.

Amorim also pointed to Bournemouth’s recent success at Old Trafford, noting their 3–0 wins there in consecutive Premier League seasons. He said he was more focused on the way Bournemouth play than on results alone.

“Special. I think the way they play the game like a big team, what he’s doing for some players,” Amorim told his Friday news conference. “I think he’s improving some players, and you can look at that team and they have several players that can play in a high level. That is an amazing job by the manager.”

He added: “I think it’s a top team, top manager with a special player. I don’t look to the results. I look at the way they face every opponent. They press really strong, they are really direct in the game.

“They can play with different options in front and that gives us a lot of options to work, to prepare the game. So I expect, again, a Premier League game that is really tough but we need to win, especially at home, and that is the goal.”

Amorim’s reference to a “special player” could be Antoine Semenyo. United are reported to have strong interest in Semenyo, but completing a move may require triggering the £65 million ($86.9 million) release clause that is active in his contract for most of January. Rival interest from Liverpool and Manchester City complicates any transfer, and there is no guarantee United would prioritise Semenyo over summer midfield reinforcements that may require significant investment.