Former Lorient striker achieves a rare Premier League feat

Eli Junior Kroupi (19) continues to thrive in his new surroundings on the south coast of England. The teenager has been a dependable attacking option for Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, helping them maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League on Friday.

The Frenchman’s penalty converted late in the second half at Dean Court enabled them to earn a 2-2 draw with Manchester United, extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches in the top-flight. His goal on Friday put him in exclusive company among players his age and French players who have featured against the Red Devils.

With his goal on Friday, he became only the fourth player under 20 both home and away against Man United in the same Premier League campaign. The others to do so are Matty Longstaff (26), Jermain Defoe and former French international Nicolas Anelka.

In December, Kroupi netted the equaliser in the latter stages to keep his side a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford versus the Red Devils. The Ligue 2 Player of the Year at FC Lorient in 2024-25 joined the Cherries in February of last year for an undisclosed fee.

He scored 22 goals in 30 Ligue 2 appearances for the Brittany club last season.