Gary Neville has offered an immediate verdict as to why VAR officials made the “right decision” not to show Antoine Semenyo a red card during Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. The Red Devils hosted the Cherries at Old Trafford and extended their unbeaten run to four matches, although they dropped more points at home.

United opened the scoring against the south coast side through a close-range header from Amad Diallo in the opening period, before Semenyo drew level for the visitors. Shortly after the Ghana international found the net for Bournemouth, an incident involving Semenyo sparked discussion over a possible sending-off. Diogo Dalot and Semenyo competed for an aerial ball, resulting in the Bournemouth forward hitting the turf.

Semenyo subsequently confronted Dalot and appeared to make contact with the United full-back’s neck using his hand, prompting referee Simon Hooper to step in and calm matters after a mass brawl broke out.

Hooper proceeded to brandish yellow cards to both Dalot and Semenyo, with Neville outlining why the Bournemouth player took a “massive risk” with his actions.

“It looked like he’s [Semenyo] giving him [Dalot] a clip in the face, but maybe it’s lower. It’s certainly a massive risk,” Neville said on commentary for Sky Sports.

“I can see why Semenyo’s snapped. Dalot bumped him while he’s in the air – it’s a bit naughty. He’s [Semenyo] gone for his [Dalot] neck but he just pulled back. Two yellow cards is the right decision.”

United managed to regain the lead in added time of the first half, courtesy of a Casemiro header from a corner kick. However, Bournemouth’s Evanlison levelled the score early in the second half, and Marcus Tavernier put the visitors ahead with a free-kick.

The goals continued to flow in a frantic second half, however, as United thought they had done enough to turn the tide back in their favour after a couple of clever substitutes.

Bruno Fernandes rifled in a free-kick of his own and then Matheus Cunha put the hosts in the lead at 4-3, having been set up by Benjamin Sesko, but Eli Junior Kroupi scored the eighth and final goal late on to level proceedings again.