Dominic Solanke took advantage of a slip by defender Willy Kambwala to score the opening goal, while Justin Kluivert regained the lead for the opposing team following Bruno Fernandes’ equalizer. The Vitality Stadium turf appeared waterlogged, particularly towards the Bournemouth penalty box during the first 45 minutes due to excessive watering before the match.
As a result, Manchester United encountered difficulties in maintaining momentum during their attacks as the ball unpredictably slowed down. Additionally, the sprinklers were turned on again at halftime despite the already wet condition of the pitch.
Online, Goldbridge accused the home team of employing underhanded tactics, stating, “Fair play Bournemouth. Drench the pitch and our players are skating on ice.
United’s attacking half is almost unplayable because its basically a swimming pool.” Another Twitter user commented, “Yeah, the ball is holding up on the pitch.
Nothing new.” Despite the controversy surrounding the conditions of the pitch, Manchester United managed to stage another comeback in the second half.
Fernandes scored his second goal of the day from the penalty spot, securing a point for his team.
