Manchester United benefit from controversial VAR call as Bournemouth denied dramatic penalty
Manchester United's Champions League hopes look to be over following a controversial 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
United twice came from behind at the Vitality Stadium, but may count themselves lucky to leave with a point following another defensive disasterclass.
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A controversial penalty from Bruno Fernandes earned the Red Devils a draw, but defensive problems continue to be an issue for Erik ten Hag.
And they were fortunate to not to end up on the losing side after Bournemouth were denied a late penalty.
Ryan Christie sprinted into the box before being fouled by Willy Kambwala, with the referee pointing to the spot.
However, VAR replays showed that the incident might have happened barely centimetres outside of the box.
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But the decision was so close, not everyone was convinced, including talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara, who said on GameDay Phone-In: "It's a bit of a mess this, this is going to throw up some controversy.
"His foot was on the line, and if you're on the line, you're in the box. A penalty for me."
A free-kick was given instead much to the fury of the home fans and boss Andoni Iraola, which was missed by Enes Unal, but it was more disappointment for the Red Devils at the back.
United have only kept one clean sheet in the Premier League since February 5 - a 2-0 win over goal-shy Everton.
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And the visitors' were often the architects of their own downfall.
Kambwala made consecutive starts in the Premier League for the first time, but the 19-year-old looked shaky alongside Harry Maguire, stumbling over as Dominic Solanke opened the scoring.
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The former Liverpool star made history for Bournemouth in the process.
United did manage to equalise after Fernandes hammered in from close range, but the home side nudged ahead again when Justin Kluivert paraded down on goal unchallenged to smash one past Andre Onana.
And while Bournemouth dominated largely throughout the second half, they would rue the fact they did not capitalise on their superiority.
Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot when Adam Smith was harshly adjudged to have handled in the box as the Portugal international made no mistake from the spot.
The result leaves United seventh with 50 points and ten points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with six games to go.
But with one win in seven Premier League matches, they might be more worried about teams below them.
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