Amorim challenges Hojlund to 'go again' after Man Utd rescue act

Ruben Amorim challenged Rasmus Hojlund to "go again" after his late strike earned Manchester United a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The Red Devils were staring down the barrel of another defeat courtesy of Antoine Semenyo's 23rd-minute opener on Sunday.

But Bournemouth, who had Evanilson sent off with 20 minutes to play, were pegged back by Hojlund's sucker punch deep into stoppage time.

It ends a run of six United games without a goal for the Denmark striker, who has only two in all competitions since a brace against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, United boss Amorim said: "It is always important for strikers to score. 

"But when we look at the game as a striker it is not just the goals. It is a good boost but the next game is a new history and we have to go again."

Since Amorim's first game in charge of United on November 24, the Red Devils have won just six of their 23 Premier League matches.

Only Southampton (one), Leicester City (two), Ipswich Town (three) and Tottenham (five) have won fewer matches in this timeframe.

The Portuguese accepted that his side, who sit 14th in the table, still have work to do in the attacking areas, adding: "It was one point. We could do better. We created chances, but we need to do better near the box.

"It is small things. We have to understand the foot that is in play, crossing, one v ones. We need to understand the game in that way.

"Today we pushed our opponent, especially after the sending off. We had the chances but again we didn't score."

United's main focus for the remainder of the campaign is the Europa League and they face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg at San Mames on Thursday.

Of that game, Amorim said: "The way Bournemouth defend is quite similar to we can take things from this game. But again it is a new history, and we must do better."

Bournemouth's chances were hindered when Evanilson received a red card following a VAR review after it was judged he lunged in on Noussair Mazraoui.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola cut a hugely frustrated figure at the decision.

The Spaniard said: "It's common sense. Everyone who has played football understands. He slips. 

"He doesn't catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge.

"Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. In the first half, Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don't think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame."

It was suggested to Iraola that referee Peter Bankes was not informed by the VAR that Evanilson had slipped in the incident.

Iraola added: "If you are telling me that then it is something very, very serious. It is difficult for us."