In a stunning turn of events, Ruben Amorim abandoned his preferred 3-4-3 formation. This shift seemed to coincide with a chaotic match against Manchester United, which ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw—neither a homage to Amorim’s surprising switch to 4-4-2 nor a typical outcome, but rather a reflection of a night filled with frenetic attack, questionable defense, and erratic goalkeeping as both teams exchanged free kicks and comebacks.
“It was a crazy game,” Amorim said. “It was fun for the viewers.” While the excitement at Old Trafford entertained fans, it might prove costly for United. They led the game multiple times—1-0, 2-1, and 4-3—but failed to capitalize on the opportunity to climb to fifth place, continuing their disappointing form at home. They had previously suffered a defeat to ten-man Everton, and they managed only a draw against West Ham and low-scoring Bournemouth. What could have easily turned into nine points at home has instead stagnated at just two.
Nevertheless, focusing solely on the implications would overlook the eight goals amid the thrilling turbulence of the match. The final goal, fittingly, was scored by Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who came off the bench to help secure a point for Andoni Iraola‘s side. It was only through two crucial late saves by Senne Lammens that David Brooks’ attempt did not culminate in a 5-4 victory for Bournemouth.
Two late saves from Senne Lammens prevented Bournemouth winning a classic match (Reuters)
Remarkably, this marked the first instance in which United scored four goals in a league match without securing three points since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game—a 5-5 culmination against West Bromwich Albion.
“Today was inspiring yet frustrating due to the lack of a win,” Amorim commented. While his shift in formation boosted United offensively, it faltered defensively. The back line, featuring two left-footed players at the center and a center-back mispositioned at right-back, lacked cohesion. Personnel challenges, including Ayden Heaven’s struggles, exacerbated the issues. United squandered three leads. “We are lacking in quality when we defend our goal. We have to be able to close out games,” Amorim stated, noting that the match had become absurdly open.
“People enjoy watching Manchester United more this season,” Amorim added. And indeed, they displayed a more liberated style while employing the 4-4-2 formation. Although they had previously also scored four against Wolves, the current squad appeared revitalized, shedding the constraints of Amorim’s prior tactical framework. Their initial 25 minutes alone yielded 11 shots, contributing to a total of 25 with an xG of 3.27. With more players pushing forward, Amad Diallo—a player not typically used as a wing-back—thrived in a more forward position, netting the first goal after a lively start.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo celebrates (PA)
Yet throughout much of the match, it appeared more chaotic than organized. Bruno Fernandes has been an influential force, capable of changing the course of matches through his sheer presence. He was instrumental in United’s second goal—recording his seventh assist of the Premier League season, the highest in the league—and he scored a breathtaking free kick for the third goal, marking his third goal in just eight days.
Amorim might have taken particular satisfaction from United’s fourth goal, featuring two of his recent signings: Benjamin Sesko, returning from injury, assisted Matheus Cunha, who scored only his second goal since signing for £62.5 million.
Matheus Cunha scores for United (AFP/Getty)
United capitalized on errors from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who was responsible for their first two goals—failing to properly secure a header from Cunha, which led to Amad’s finish, and then letting a shot from Casemiro slip through his fingers.
Ultimately, United’s offensive efforts offered some validation for Amorim’s tactical adjustments. It suggested a long-overdue recognition that his previous system might not have suited the current squad. Yet despite their attacking prowess in the new formation, their defense struggled to adapt appropriately.
After shifting to a back four, United conceded four goals. During the match, Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson joined the attack during their respective droughts, and Semenyo’s goal established a break in a 294-minute stretch without a goal from Bournemouth. Both the individual players and the team ended their wait for scoring.
A significant part of Bournemouth’s resurgence can be attributed to Andoni Iraola, who made strategic adjustments throughout the game. At one point, he switched Semenyo to the opposite flank after identifying that Leny Yoro was struggling against him, which led to Semenyo leveling the match with a brilliant effort.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth scores (Getty Images)
Despite leading at halftime—an impressive feat for United, given their historical strength when ahead during league matches at home—things deteriorated dramatically in the second half. The club had not lost when leading at the break at Old Trafford since 1984, arguably a record that Amorim considered essential. However, a mere 30 seconds into the second half, Evanilson leveled the game after being played onside by Heaven, marking his first goal in 11 appearances. “We must start the second half differently,” Amorim acknowledged.
Matters quickly worsened when Marcus Tavernier curled in a low free kick, with Casemiro again making an ill-timed foul that resulted in the goal. Lammens, too, bore some responsibility, as it was one that he should have stopped.
As a result, Bournemouth became the first team in top-flight history to score at least three goals in three consecutive trips to Old Trafford; they had only managed five goals in their prior visits before achieving a remarkable total of ten. “Man United, it’s happened again,” sang the traveling supporters after Tavernier’s strike. Reflecting on an eventful match, Iraola noted, “It had everything—moments where we thought we’d lost and moments where we believed we had it.”
Junior Kroupi rescued a point for Bournemouth in a thriller (PA)
This time, unlike the previous two seasons, Bournemouth did not secure a win. However, they did achieve a remarkable four goals, largely thanks to Junior Kroupi. For United, the switch to 4-4-2 culminated in a 4-4 draw. Amorim remarked, “The formation is for discussion, not for me to comment on.”
Initially, it appeared that Amorim’s unwavering commitment to the 3-4-3 formation was a given, to the extent that he jokingly asserted that even the Pope couldn’t persuade him to change. Yet as he embraces a new adaptable strategy, his next challenge lies in restoring United’s winning record at Old Trafford.