After Manchester United got a questionable free kick against Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes was accused of swaying Simon Hooper's call. On Monday, Fernandes scored a cool free kick to tie the game at 3-3 after Bournemouth's captain, Adam Smith, was called for a handball.

The 4-4 game at Old Trafford was filled with action, but the free-kick call wasn't the main thing people were talking about. Still, it angered Bournemouth. Their manager, Andoni Iraola, said, I think it's a clear mistake. It hit above the armband. It's not a foul.

The ball hit Smith's arm at close range, but Hooper gave a free kick and booked Smith for arguing after Fernandes scored. Michael Owen thinks Hooper only made that decision because Fernandes influenced him.

Owen said about Fernandes' free kick on Premier League Productions, The speed, the curve, everything was great—but it shouldn't have been a free kick. The ball was a foot away from him. Even if it hits him low, it's harsh when you kick it into someone from a yard away. His arms weren't waving around, and it was too high anyway. It was a bad call.

Little things matter a lot. People don't want to see players faking falls or claiming free kicks when they shouldn't. If Bruno Fernandes doesn't overreact when the ball hits, he doesn't get the call. The ref thinks, 'I didn't see it right; I'll give it,' because of the player's reaction. It's human.

These small things make a big difference. If Bruno doesn't act like that, if he's not pushing the limits and being a bit sneaky, they don't get that free kick or score that goal. It's like he was streetwise in winning that free kick.

Smith was mad about the call. He said, We let in a bad goal right before halftime, which made us angry, and it showed. We came out for the second half and scored twice right away.

Then, no surprise, the ref makes a bad call because the ball hit my shoulder from a yard away. What am I supposed to do with my arms? I don't know. He didn't even want to talk to me, which is worse. Even the Man United players said it wasn't a handball!

As a defender, I don't know what to do anymore. It's a yard away, or even right next to me! It hit the top of my sleeve. I thought that wasn't handball anymore?

He wouldn't even talk to me. He said, 'I don't want to talk to you right now.' Then he booked me after the goal. It's really annoying.

Manchester United are back in the running for Conor Gallagher as the January transfer window approaches. They're talking internally about possibly grabbing the Atletico Madrid midfielder. United were interested before, looking at a deal in the summer, but things have changed since then.

Gallagher, who moved from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2024 for €42m (around £37m), is now okay with a short-term move. He wants to play regularly during this key point in his career. United is watching closely as Ruben Amorim works to reshape his midfield choices.

Man Utd's Midfield Plans Get Serious

Manchester United is clear on what they want for their midfield. Amorim wants players who are athletic, intense, and flexible so he can bring Old Trafford's midfield into today's game. They've looked at different players, and Gallagher seems like a good fit since he's done well in the Premier League before and could adapt fast.

The deal didn't happen last summer because of timing. They talked late in the window, but Atletico didn't want to let him go so soon after he arrived. But their position has become more flexible because Gallagher hasn't been playing as much this season.

The England international has only started a few league and Champions League games this season. This is very different from when he was consistently playing in England. Atletico is happy with his work ethic, but there's a lot of competition for spots, which has limited his playing time.

January Window Could Be Key

Gallagher’s main goal is obvious: the 2026 World Cup is coming up, and he gets that randomly showing up to games won't cut it if he wants to keep his spot on the national team. People close to him think he needs to start games regularly if he wants to stay in the running for future England squads.

A January loan seems like the most realistic option, which works for Gallagher and clubs that want him, according to TeamTalk. Manchester United would like this kind of deal since it lets them add a player without spending too much right away after their recent investments.

Agents are trying to find options across the Premier League, and some clubs are interested. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are watching closely, and Everton and West Ham United are also paying attention. Even with interest from overseas, it seems Gallagher would rather go back to England.

Atletico's View and What the Player Thinks

Atletico Madrid isn't trying to push Gallagher out, but they're willing to talk if they get a good offer. The player is comfortable in Madrid and still thinks he can prove himself to Diego Simeone, but he's being realistic because he's not starting games.

From United’s side, Gallagher’s experience, ability to stay healthy, and awareness on the field are appealing. He brings energy when he has the ball and when he doesn't. He's also shown he can play different midfield roles, which fits what Amorim wants.

The £37m price from when he moved from Chelsea is still a reference point, but any permanent deal will likely depend on how he performs during a loan. United is trying to balance what they need now with their long-term plans for rebuilding.

Premier League Return Seems Likely

Many people agree that Gallagher will likely return to the Premier League. His skills match the speed and toughness of the league, and he's shown before that he can make an immediate impact when given responsibility.

Manchester United's renewed interest puts them in a good position, but the competition will likely be tougher as January gets closer. A lot depends on what Gallagher wants and what guarantees he gets about playing time.

For United, this is a second shot at getting a player they've wanted for a while. For Gallagher, this could be a defining choice as he tries to get back on top for his club and country during a crucial season.