The electrifying 4-4 draw between Manchester United and Bournemouth wasn’t just a display of attacking football; it was a masterclass in subtle gamesmanship, according to former England striker Michael Owen. A controversial free-kick, awarded to United in the 77th minute, sparked debate and ultimately helped salvage a point for the home side.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola vehemently protested the decision, arguing the handball call against Adam Smith was a clear error. The ball struck Smith’s arm from point-blank range, well above the designated armband line, and he maintained it was not a foul. The incident, however, quickly became about more than just the letter of the law.
Owen believes the key to the decision wasn’t the incident itself, but the reaction of Bruno Fernandes. He asserts that Fernandes’s assertive, almost insistent, appeals to the referee, Simon Hooper, swayed the call in United’s favor. It was a calculated move, a display of “streetwise” tactics that ultimately proved decisive.
The free-kick itself was a stunning strike from Fernandes, bending and dipping with precision. Yet, Owen emphasizes it shouldn’t have been awarded in the first place. He points out the ball’s proximity to Smith, arguing that awarding a free-kick for such a close-range deflection is exceptionally harsh.
Owen highlights the crucial role of player reaction in influencing referees. He explains that Hooper, perhaps unsure of his initial view, conceded to the pressure and awarded the free-kick due to Fernandes’s passionate protest. It’s a testament to the human element within the game, and the power of a player to shape a pivotal moment.
These seemingly minor incidents, Owen argues, are the difference between victory and a draw. He stops short of labeling Fernandes’s actions as underhanded, instead describing them as a clever, calculated attempt to influence the referee. It’s a reminder that success in football isn’t solely about skill, but also about intelligence and a willingness to push boundaries.
The incident underscores a fascinating dynamic within the sport: the delicate balance between fair play and strategic maneuvering. Fernandes’s actions weren’t about cheating, but about maximizing his team’s opportunities, a tactic that ultimately contributed to a thrilling, albeit controversial, draw.
