Manchester United pass first real test of character as Bournemouth draw showcases turnaround under Carrick

It may sound foolish, but this might have been the sort of game Michael Carrick was waiting for. Manchester United have just the second stalemate of his new tenure after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth that offered plenty of drama, but while it’s a game that only offered one point for the interim United boss, it provided him with a few important lessons. Carrick’s second interim tenure has been superb so far, his United side earning 25 of 30 available points in his first 10 games in charge.

It has seen a memorable win over Arsenal, a superb performance in a victory over Manchester City, a dramatic late winner against Fulham. It’s even seen more attritional displays, with the away win over Everton standing out. However, what it hadn’t seen until today was a real display of character when the chips are down.

No real test of character, nothing to show him – or indeed the next United manager – who can be relied upon when your backs are against the wall. It has come at the cost of two points, but Carrick might be pleased to finally know that for sure. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford in December produced one of the games of the season in a brilliant 4-4 draw, and while this was not quite the goal-fest from a few months ago, it was a similarly intriguing match at the Vitality Stadium.

While it ended level at the break, it did not take long to explode into life in the second half, Matheus Cunha skipping past two defenders before having his shirt pulled in the box. The game provided a different test for Carrick's side as they saw Harry Maguire sent off in the 78th minute (Getty Images) It was time for Fernandes to score rather than assist , and he needed no invitation as he slid his spot-kick past Djordje Petrovic for 1-0. However, the lead only lasted six minutes, Ryan Christie cushioning in a lovely finish to level it.