Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, faced mounting pressure as his team’s winless streak extended to four games following a hard-fought draw against Bournemouth. Despite captain Bruno Fernandes’ heroic brace, United failed to secure a victory, further denting their hopes of European football next season.
The match at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium saw the hosts take the lead twice, with Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert finding the net for the Cherries. However, Fernandes answered each time with clinical finishes, salvaging a point for United.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag acknowledged the fans’ frustration, stating, “It is up to them, but it is the truth. At this moment with all the problems we have, we play to our levels. We can play very good when everyone is on top form but we have to do it for the whole 90 minutes.”
However, when pressed about the possibility of recording their worst Premier League finish, Ten Hag abruptly ended the press conference, emphasizing the immediate focus on improving performance rather than dwelling on outcomes.
Despite Fernandes’ standout performance, United struggled to assert control throughout the match, with only two attempts on target. The team’s inconsistency under Ten Hag has been a cause for concern, with their last Premier League win dating back to March 9th.
Bournemouth, under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, showcased resilience and attacking prowess, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Despite their dominance, they were unable to capitalize fully, with VAR overturning a late penalty decision in stoppage time.
Reflecting on the match, Iraola expressed frustration at refereeing decisions but praised his team’s performance, highlighting their progress throughout the season.
With their Champions League qualification hopes fading, Manchester United’s attention now turns to the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City, while Bournemouth continues their quest for their best-ever Premier League finish.