Manchester United benefit from controversial VAR call as Bournemouth denied dramatic penalty

Manchester United's Champions League hopes appear to be over after a controversial 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

United They twice came from behind at the Vitality Stadium, but can consider themselves lucky to emerge with a point after another defensive disaster.

A controversial penalty from Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils the tie, but defensive problems remain a problem for Erik ten Hag.

And they were lucky not to end up on the losing side after Bournemouth were denied a late penalty.

Ryan Christie ran into the box before being fouled by Willy Kambwala, and the referee pointed to the spot.

However, VAR replays showed the incident may have occurred just centimeters outside the area.

But the decision was so close that not everyone was convinced, including talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara, who said on GameDay Phone-In: “This is a bit complicated, this is going to cause some controversy.

“His foot was on the line, and if you're on the line, you're in the area. A penalty for me.”

Instead, a free kick was taken, much to the fury of the home fans and coach Andoni Iraola, which Enes Unal missed, but it was a major disappointment for the Red Devils in defence.

United have only kept one clean sheet in the Premier League since February 5 – a 2-0 goal-shy win. Everton.

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And the visitors were often the architects of their own downfall.

Kambwala made back-to-back Premier League starts for the first time, but the 19-year-old looked shaky Harry Maguirestumbling when Dominic Solanke opened the scoring.

first Liverpool star made history for Bournemouth in the process.

United managed to equalize after Fernandes struck from close range, but the home team took the lead again when Justin Kluivert streaked towards goal unopposed to beat Andre Onana.

And although Bournemouth largely dominated during the second half, they would regret not capitalizing on their superiority.

Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot when Adam Smith was harshly judged for a handball in the area, as the Portugal international made no mistake from the spot.

The result leaves United seventh with 50 points and ten points behind fourth place. Aston Villa with six games left.

But with one win in seven Premier League games, they could be more worried about the teams below them.