Harry Arter praised for helping Bournemouth win over Manchester United days after loss of baby girl

The 25-year-old insisted on playing in the Premier League game

Harry Arter with Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe (GETTY IMAGES)

Harry Arter was singled out for praise following Bournemouth's win over Manchester United, with the midfielder playing in the Premier League match despite the death of his daughter just days before.

The 25-year-old midfielder and his partner lost their child at birth in midweek.

Despite his loss, Artur insisted on playing in the match at the Vitality Stadium and would go on to play a vital role in arguably the greatest result in Bournemouth's history.

"It's been a hugely emotional week for him," said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe following the 2-1 win over Manchester United.

"I think he's handled himself with real dignity throughout the process, and to play the way he did today, with the emotions running through his body, I can't credit him enough for that."

Explaining his decision to play, Artur said after the match: "I just felt that coming in and trying to take my mind off things would make it a little bit easier, my family would want me to play."

Artur was booked after 84 minutes and looked close to tears, with Howe opting to substitute the Republic of Ireland international two minutes later. At the full-time whistle, Howe embraced his player.

"He showed real strength to keep his emotions in check, and I've got to say his team-mates rallied around him really well," Howe added.

"There were some emotional scenes in the dressing room afterwards.

"I'm really proud of him, but the pain for them won't go away, so we'll have to look after Harry, and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.

"Harry wanted to play, there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to play. I had to make an assessment of him, but there was no doubt once I'd spoken to him that I was going to play him today."