United looked in control at key moments, but Carrick's post-match focus centred on a controversial penalty decision that went against his side. After Bruno Fernandes had opened the scoring from the spot, Amad Diallo was brought down in a similar situation by Adrien Truffert - yet no penalty was given.

"To give one and not give the other, I just can't get my head around - it's crazy," said Carrick. "We should have had another penalty and the game would have been different. That's what VAR is there for, to bring consistency. It's baffling."

United had started brightly, creating early chances through Diallo and Fernandes, but Dorde Petrovic kept Bournemouth in the game with a series of sharp saves. The hosts also threatened, with Marcus Tavernier and Adrien Truffert testing Senne Lammens.

The breakthrough came just after the hour when Fernandes calmly converted after Matheus Cunha was fouled. But the lead lasted only six minutes, as Truffert quickly made amends by setting up Ryan Christie to equalise.

United responded again when Fernandes' corner was turned into his own net by James Hill, restoring the visitors' advantage. However, the match swung once more when Harry Maguire was sent off for bringing down Evanilson in the box. Substitute Eli Junior Kroupi converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-2.

Carrick accepted the red card decision but remained frustrated by the earlier call. "I can understand the sending-off, but the earlier one has to be given as well," he added.

Despite the setback, United stayed third in the table, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth, strengthening their push for a return to the Champions League.

"We could have had more tonight, but it's not the end of the world," Carrick said. "We'll come back stronger after the break."

Bournemouth, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten league run to 11 matches, showing resilience once again to keep their European hopes alive.

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw