Bournemouth denied late penalty by VAR as Manchester United escape with lucky draw

Bournemouth had an added-time penalty award overturned by VAR as disjointed Manchester United escaped Vitality Stadium with a scarcely-deserved 2-2 draw thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ brace.

Referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot five minutes beyond the 90 when Ryan Christie went down under a challenge from Willy Kambwala before changing his decision to a free-kick on review.

Erik ten Hag’s men were tormented for much of an uninspiring performance in Dorset and twice trailed in the first half following goals from Cherries pair Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.

Fernandes volleyed home his first equaliser against the run of play before denying the impressive hosts a maiden league double over the 20-time English champions by converting a 65th-minute penalty after Adam Smith handled as the ball ricocheted against his arm in the box.

United’s Portuguese captain also rattled the crossbar with a stunning strike from distance at 2-1 down in stoppage time at the end of an exhilarating opening period.

Yet outstanding Bournemouth, who hit the woodwork through Milos Kerkez and wasted numerous other chances, should have have been out of sight by then.

After the game Solanke told Sky Sports:"Going into the game we were confident. Knew it would be tough game but we told ourselves we had beat them once this season so knew we could do it again.

"We created a lot of chances and should've been two or three up but we didn't take the chances and the second half was a tight game."

On the late penalty decision being overturned, he said:"I haven't looked at it back but on the big screen it looked on the line so I think it could've been a penalty. Unlucky to not get it there and thought it would be our opportunity to go on and win it at the