Manchester United started their year with yet another win as they increase the pressure on the sides above them. A smart goal by Casemiro, a team-move finished off by Luke Shaw and a late tap-in by Marcus Rashford did for their visitors. It sees them draw level with third-placed Newcastle as a result. The night was spoiled by an awful looking injury to Donny van de Beek though.
It was yet another disappointment for the away side though. Since being named as permanent boss, Gary O’Neil has seen his team concede five and score none in two games. Recruitment is vital if they stand any chance of staying up.
Erik ten Hag made four changes from their narrow win over Wolves on Saturday.
In attack, Marcus Rashford reclaimed his spot after coming off the bench to score the winner ahead of Alejandro Garnacho while Donny van de Beek replaced Antony. Luke Shaw moved to left back to allow Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire start. Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia made way for them. Gary O’ Neill made two changes from their home defeat to Crystal Palace. Chris Mepham and Ryan Christie replaced Jordan Zemura and Keiffer Moore started.
Donny van de Beek was in the action early on as he managed to clean out two players in winning the ball. There were also shouts for a penalty when his header struck Chris Mepham on the arm. Nothing given though. The first real chance came to Anthony Martial after Bruno Fernandes had released Luke Shaw down the left. The cross was whipped in, but he got the connection all wrong on the header.
Just when it seemed the home side were getting frustrated, they struck for the opener. Marcus Rashford was taken down outside the box by Adam Smith as the fouls built up. Christian Eriksen floated the ball towards the back-post where Casemiro volleyed it home. Due reward for a commanding display.
Bournemouth sought a way back into the game and had a couple of half-chances. Dominic Solanke headed over from a promising position before Jaidon Anthony forced a decent save from David de Gea. The flag had been raised but the Spaniard did not know that at the time. A loose clearance from Harry Maguire gifted Bournemouth a corner before redeeming himself with a commanding header away.
Fernandes almost picked out Rashford for a second with a deep cross into the area. Only Lloyd Kelly prevented the in-form striker from bagging another. Eriksen had a free kick that was headed over as the away side were hanging on. Van de Beek was then forced off just before the break with a horrible looking injury after being caught by a late tackle.
United doubled their lead just after the break with a well-constructed team move. Shaw played a one-two to relieve the danger near his own penalty area. He then continued his run to be able to latch onto a smart cut-back by Alejandro Garnacho to slot it past Mark Travers. Another sweeping move should have resulted in the third. Martial connecting with a deft cross by Casemiro to only direct his header wide of the post from a few yards out.
Bournemouth had a series of excellent opportunities to grab something from the game only to be denied by De Gea. He stopped a back-post header by Billing before diving low to tip away a shot by Solanke. His best came when Anthony found himself clean through on goal. He tried to find the top corner but the net-minder stood firm to palm it away.
That seemed to break Bournemouth and United exerted their control again. Anthony Elanga had an effort blocked before Travers denied the likes of Diego Dalot, Garnacho and Rashford in succession.
The latter would not be denied his goal though. Shaw’s raking pass found Fernandes who had drifted into the penalty area. He squared the ball to Rashford who tapped it home. The introduction of our new World Cup champion elicited as much a cheer as any of the goals.
Another game and another win. Slowly but surely the confidence is coming back into the side and a greater sense of assuredness. A striker is still a priority after some wasteful finishing however. They take on a possibly Lampard less Everton in the FA Cup and Charlton in the League Cup before a Manchester Derby at home on the 14th of January at 12,30. Bournemouth face Championship leaders Burnley in the Cup before a tough trip to Brentford on the same day.
Manchester United: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Diego Dalot 72), Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof (Lisandro Martinez 88), Luke Shaw, Carlos Casemiro, Cristian Eriksen (Anthony Elanga 72), Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek (Alejandro Garnacho 45+2); Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial (Fred 72).
Subs not used: Tom Heaton, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.
Bournemouth: Mark Travers; Adam Smith, (Jack Stacy 66), Morcos Sensei, Lloyd Kelly, Chris Mepham, Jaidon Anthony, Lewis Cook,Jefferson Lerma (Joe Rothwell 84), Philip Billing (Kieffer Moore 76); Dominik Solanke, Ryan Christie (Siriki Dembele 76).
Subs not used: Jack Stephens, Jamal Lowe, Ben Pearson, Jordan Zemura, Cameron Plain.
Booked: Philip Billing (37), Adam Smith (48), Jack Stacy (75).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Michael Salisbury.
Attendance: 73,322.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Casemiro.
