Manchester United’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Bournemouth, salvaged only by a late Rasmus Højlund equalizer. On a day when United fans clung to distant hopes elsewhere, their own team’s display offered little encouragement for brighter days ahead.

Despite Bournemouth being reduced to ten men after Evanilson’s controversial red card, United labored to find rhythm or threat. Defensive errors, notably involving Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, led to Antoine Semenyo’s opener after a misjudged André Onana goal-kick. Bournemouth could have put the game beyond doubt early in the second half but missed crucial chances, including Dango Ouattara striking the post from an audacious free-kick.

Even with a man advantage, United’s attack remained blunt and chaotic. Only in the dying minutes did the breakthrough come — Højlund bundling in after a series of frantic scrambles in the Bournemouth box. Substitute Mason Mount and teenager Chido Obi had earlier threatened, but it took a ricochet and sheer persistence to salvage a point.

Manager Ruben Amorim remained realistic post-match, admitting United were still far from matching the Premier League elite and emphasizing the need for patient rebuilding. As United fans sang nostalgic songs of past legends, the gap between history and current reality was painfully clear. Even lifting a European trophy this season might not disguise the need for a serious squad overhaul.