After playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture back in December, both sides looked determined to start on the front foot at the Vitality Stadium.
Amad Diallo saw a powerful early strike repelled by Dorde Petrovic, while at the other end, Rayan scuffed a low effort wastefully wide of the target.
The visitors continued to threaten in a high-tempo opening 20 minutes, but Petrovic stood firm in the Bournemouth goal, denying Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes in quick succession.
The Cherries went close themselves shortly after, with Senne Lammens reacting smartly to push Rayan’s dangerous strike around the post.
That served as a warning for United, who spurned another glorious chance to take the lead when Fernandes’ volley at the back post was just about kept out by the outstretched leg of Petrovic.
The end-to-end nature of the contest continued up until half-time, as Adrien Truffert and Marcus Tavernier saw a pair of efforts comfortably held by Lammens.
Having lost just two of their last 12 away matches (W5, D5), the Red Devils upped the ante in pursuit of a breakthrough, and they were given a golden opportunity on the hour mark when Alex Jimenez was penalised for pulling back Cunha in the box.
Fernandes assumed the responsibility from the spot, sending Petrovic the wrong way to score his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
United’s joy was short-lived, however, as Bournemouth restored parity just six minutes later through Ryan Christie, who tucked a clinical finish into the bottom corner from just inside the area.
Undeterred by that setback, Michael Carrick’s men regained the lead in the 71st minute, as Fernandes’ corner was diverted into the net by James Hill for an unfortunate own goal.
But once again, the Cherries came back fighting, and after Alex Scott curled a spectacular effort against the post, Andoni Iraola’s side were awarded a penalty when Evanilson was brought down by Harry Maguire, with the United centre-back seeing red as a result.
Substitute Eli Junior Kroupi confidently dispatched the spot-kick for the hosts, setting up a fascinating finale.
Armed with the numerical advantage, Bournemouth pushed for a late winner, but the visitors held their own in stoppage time to secure a hard-fought point in their pursuit of UCL qualification, leaving them third, where they will remain regardless of results this weekend.
Meanwhile, five straight draws keep the Cherries 10th and within reach of the European places.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth)
