Andoni Iraola insisted Bournemouth were robbed of a penalty in stoppage time, as Erik ten Hag rushed out of his press conference when asked if Manchester United were facing their worst finish to a Premier League season.
United have fallen to seventh in the table and have never finished lower in the competition, but could drop to eighth if West Ham can beat Fulham today.
Ten Hag’s visitors relied on Bruno Fernandes to avoid losing at the Vitality Stadium. The captain equalized twice after Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert gave Bournemouth the lead.
Fernandes’ second goal came from the penalty spot after Kobbie Mainoo’s shot deflected onto Adam Smith’s arm, a handball which Iraola insisted was “very hard”.
Bournemouth’s frustration was compounded in injury time when they thought they had earned a penalty.
Andoni Iraola insisted Bournemouth were robbed of a penalty in stoppage time against United
The Bournemouth coach expresses his feelings to Bruno Fernandes at the final whistle
Adam Smith was penalized for a handball that Iraola considered a ‘very tough’ decision
Your browser does not support iframes.
Referee Tony Harrington initially pointed to the spot after Ryan Christie collided with 19-year-old Willy Kambwala, but VAR Jarred Gillett said the collision occurred outside the area and they were awarded a free kick instead.
Speaking afterwards, Iraola said: ‘We have to appreciate the point. A point against Manchester United is important. But if anyone deserved to win today, it was Bournemouth.
‘The last decision especially. The VAR intervenes in something that should be clear and evident. It is obvious that he continues to attack inside and does not allow Ryan to finish the play.
Erik ten Hag quickly leaves the post-match press conference after being questioned about the result
Ten Hag later hid behind injuries and added: “In defence, we have to make up ground, but the players are not available.”
‘You see our back four: that tells the story. We know our demand, but that absolutely tells the story.’
Ten Hag was asked if United were seventh, which would be their worst finish in the Premier League, but said as he quickly exited: “I don’t comment on that question.” That’s not important right now.