Michael Carrick’s key decision as Man Utd suffer Champions League blow vs Bournemouth

Manchester United have left the South Coast with one point after they played out an entraining 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the South Coast on Friday evening

Harry Maguire’s Manchester United career can be summed up by a chaotic seven minutes down on the South Coast.

The Red Devils had made the long journey down as the most in form side in the Premier League with their captain, Bruno Fernandes, playing the best football of his career. However, even Fernandes at his brilliant best wasn’t enough for Carrick’s side.

With the score tied at 1-1, Fernandes whipped in a corner that was turned into the back of the Bournemouth net by James Hill, under the pressure of Harry Maguire. The Englishman claimed the goal and for a moment it seemed he would be the hero.

However, he quickly turned to public enemy No.1 when he brought down Evanilson, earning a red card and allowing Eli Junior Kroupi to level from the spot.

It was almost perfect from Carrick, a potential banana skin fixture navigated with a cautious first half before some brilliance from a rejuvenated Fernandes.

Carrick can’t account for individual errors, nor should Premier League managers be judged on them, but after the red card United might were too negative. There’s a fine line between protecting a draw and inviting pressure.

It’s a point for the Red Devils in their quest for European football – but it should have been more. Last weekend, Carrick’s side took a huge stride towards a spot at Europe’s premier table.

This weekend, it felt like they stumbled. United sit third, but that gap can be closed by Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea should all claim three points.

It’s not the hammer blow of a defeat, but it’s enough of a slip to keep those dreaming of Champions League football come May interested.

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