Alex Scott ‘disappointed’ in lack of England call-up
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott had this to say as it were put to him that there were “raised eyebrows” over his omission from the England squad.
The 22-year-old produced another industrious display and nearly scored a wonder goal but had it deflected off the post, and was awarded the man of the match.
He said: “I think, like you said, it’s fuel. Obviously disappointed, everyone wants to play for their country. But in England, there’s so many top players. Kobbie [Mainoo] was playing today. There’s unreal players in the midfield spots. It’s tough to get into that squad.
“For me, it’s head down, keep focusing, keep performing, and hopefully I put myself in the best position possible for the summer.”
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 05:00
Michael Carrick: ‘We’ll take the point and move on’
Carrick was also full of praise for his side, especially after going down to 10.
“Disappointed with not winning the game after being up but under the circumstances with 10 men for what ended up being some sort of added time that we’ve not seen in a while, they decided to bring that one back, we managed that really well again and were really comfortable in managing that in the way we did it. So I was pleased with the way the boys finished the game.
“It’s easy to let the game slip away. They kept their heads and took the point, which in the end we’ll take the point and move on. Just the decision for the penalty, I don’t understand how you can be one and the other and give one and not. Mental.”
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 04:00
On their current league position, Carrick says: “We’re in a good place. We’ve put ourselves in this position through some good work, good results and good performances.
“We could have had more tonight but it’s not the end of the world.”
“I think we’ve made some improvements. There are things we can improve on, and we can get a lot better.
“I’m happy with the way things have gone, but we’re not satisfied. We definitely want more.”
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 03:00
‘That’s what VAR was for’ – Michael Carrick
On the similarities between the penalty shouts, Carrick continues: “Where do you start, really? Listen, maybe he’s passed Harry [Maguire] and that’s the right decision and he’s given that. I haven’t got too much of a problem, I haven’t seen it back to be totally honest, but I think if he’s passed him and he’s in on goal, I can understand that decision, so I’m not going we deserve everything. But it shouldn’t have happened because we should’ve had another penalty and the game would’ve been totally different and then it ended up in chaos after that. It is what it is.”
These moments “absolutely massive,” he adds. “That’s what VAR was for. Clean it up and consistency. Surely whatever they think, if one’s been given there’s enough people to decide that it’s the same as the first. It’s two different decisions, so a bit baffling really.”
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 02:00
‘Can’t get my head around it’ – Michael Carrick on penalty controversy
Michael Carrick tells Sky Sports: “A lot happened in the end. I thought we had good chances early. Some good chances, some really good chances. I thought we had enough to be ahead and a little more comfortable in the game. We found the goal, should’ve had another penalty.”
On those penalty shouts: “You get one, you must get the other. It’s pretty much identical for me, two-hand grab and so either way he’s got one wrong. To give one and not give the other, I just can’t get my head around it. It’s crazy. Because of that they go down the other end, they score and then it’s chaos after that, really.”
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 01:00
Bruno Fernandes fumes over controversial penalty decisions as Manchester United draw at Bournemouth
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes voiced his frustration at perceived inconsistencies in refereeing decisions as his side were not awarded a penalty in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Referee Stuart Atwell looked at an incident in the second half when Amad Diallo went down under contact by Adrien Truffert in the box, but determined it was not worthy of a penalty.
VAR agreed with the on-field decision but Atwell later gave Bournemouth a penalty for a similar-looking challenge, with Harry Maguire seeing a straight red for pushing Evanilson in the penalty area with the latter through on goal, and conceding a spot-kick, which Eli Junior Kroupi duly converted.
Flo Clifford21 March 2026 00:15
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.
Chris Wilson at the Vitality Stadium20 March 2026 23:45
Criticism ‘part of being a Man Utd player’ – Fernandes
Fernandes is asked about how much criticism the players came in for earlier in the season, before this sudden revival.
He says: “It will always be like that, when you get results you get flowers, when you don’t, you get criticised. It’s part of being a Manchester United player.
“Demand is very high from everywhere, a lot of people with eyes on the club because it’s massive. It’s a lot of eyes on us but if you decide to play for this club and you play here then you are a big player and have a big personality. There are highs and lows and you have to deal with them.”
Flo Clifford20 March 2026 23:30
‘We have lots of competition’ – Fernandes
Fernandes continues: “Premier League is very tough and we have lots of competition. Aston Villa are close to us and Liverpool and Chelsea too.
“Our aim is to move forwards by keep getting points, we have to get away from them and the best way to do that is to keep getting points. If you want to get closer to the one in front of you you still have to get the three points.”
Flo Clifford20 March 2026 23:15
Here’s how the table looks. United are on 55 points, four clear of Villa, and will remain there even if Villa win this weekend.
Bournemouth are in 10th on 42, level with Newcastle in ninth but the Magpies have a game in hand.
And the Cherries are under pressure from behind, with Fulham on 41 points and Brighton and Sunderland both on 40.
Flo Clifford20 March 2026 23:00