Michael Carrick puzzled by penalty decision in Manchester United stalemate

Manchester United went ahead from the penalty spot via Bruno Fernandes, yet they were refused another when Amad Diallo tumbled in the area after a tackle by Adrien Truffert.

Bournemouth swiftly countered to draw level as Truffert set up Ryan Christie for the equaliser.

James Hill put through his own net to give United the advantage once more, before Harry Maguire received a red card and gave away a penalty for tripping Evanilson.

The challenge on the Brazilian forward bore a striking resemblance to the one overlooked by the officials in Trufferts clash with Diallo.

Still, VAR chose not to step in on either incident to prompt referee Stuart Attwell to reassess his rulings.

"To award one and overlook the other, I simply cannot comprehend it - its mad," Carrick remarked.

"I can see why they made that call (on Miguire), but we deserved another spot kick and the match would have unfolded differently.

"I believed thats what VAR existed for, to ensure clarity and uniformity.

"These are two contrasting calls, so its rather perplexing."

Even with the frustration of failing to pull further ahead in third spot in the Premier League, United are still favourably positioned for a Champions League comeback next term.

Securing a top five berth should guarantee entry into Europes top tier, and they hold a seven point edge over Chelsea in sixth.

United face no fixtures for more than three and a half weeks, with an international hiatus leading into the FA Cup last eight.

"We might have claimed more this evening, but its hardly disastrous," Carrick continued.

"We will return revitalised following the pause."