Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot was grabbed by the throat as a huge melee broke out at Old Trafford in the first half of their clash with Bournemouth. Antoine Semenyo had, minutes earlier, equalised for the Cherries before getting involved in a bust-up that caused both the winger and Dalot to be booked by the referee.
Shortly after Semenyo had breezed past Luke Shaw and the United defence to fire past Senne Lammens, cancelling out Amad’s early effort, he was in the middle of a heated confrontation with Dalot. He appeared to be frustrated with the defender’s actions after falling to the floor.
Dalot had jumped under Semenyo, causing the Bournemouth talisman to fall, and then react angrily before Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Ayden Heaven and several opposition players, kickstarted a mass brawl.
Gary Neville, on commentary for Sky Sports, said: “It’s certainly a risk. It’s like Antoine Semenyo’s gone to chokehold Diogo Dalot but let go. I think two yellow cards is right.”
Only minutes later, United were back in the lead through Casemiro. He rose highest to meet Fernandes’ corner at the back post, though Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic did let the ball slip through his hands.
It was nothing less than the hosts deserved, however, as they sought to go four matches unbeaten in a much-improved performance than recent weeks.
Neville added: “Can’t say that they haven’t deserved it, Manchester United. Casemiro gets loads of first contacts. The goalkeeper has to stop that.
“Petrovic is collapsing into the back of his net. Just stand up strong. Man Utd deserve that, it’s the best first half I’ve seen at Old Trafford in a long, long time.”
United would move up to fifth place in the Premier League table with victory, moving them level with Chelsea.
However, they are set to be without three of their star men for the next few weeks, with Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui set to jet off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Moroccan defender has already been released and missed the Bournemouth match, with Amad and Mbeumo playing their last games for United before joining up for the tournament.
