Manchester United secure 2-0 win over Bournemouth
By Wyatt Miner
Manchester United bounced back from an embarrassing defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Furthermore, United’s 2-0 win puts them 4 points clear of Liverpool.
In the mid-week match up between Bournemouth and United, the Red Devils looked a much stronger side compared to the West Brom match. The team possessed the ball well, and they kept Bournemouth out of their half for most of the match.
Manchester United had a strong start against 11th placed Bournemouth. They moved the ball around the pitch, and they looked more motivated to score goals. However, it is important to keep in mind that Mourinho nearly changed his whole starting eleven.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial made a rare start in the match, due to the signing of Sanchez. Additionally, Rashford impressed when dribbling at the opposition, causing problems for Bournemouth’s back line. On the other hand, Martial looked unmotivated in the first half, but that changed in the second half.
Luke Shaw also made an appearance for the Red Devils, even though he has been missing for months. While Shaw had a great game, he nearly gave up an easy penalty, pulling Bournemouth’s striker down in the box. However, if Shaw did not make that move, Bournemouth could have capitalized on a fault in United’s back line.
Which United players capitalized on Bournemouth errors?
For the majority of the match, Manchester United applied the pressure, causing the opposition to drop back and absorb the attack.
On United’s first goal, the Red Devils created an opportunity due to effective passing. Ultimately, the ball came to Jesse Lingard in the box, and it only took a ground pass to Smalling for United to capitalize. Smalling now has 3 away goals this season.
Later in the second half, Romelu Lukaku made an appearance as a substitution. Coming off of the bench, Lukaku’s physical strength was too much for Nathan Ake. As Paul Pogba drove the ball up the field, Lukaku made a diagonal run towards Bournemouth’s goal. Pogba played the ball through Bournemouth’s defense as Lukaku sent the ball into the back of the net.
Lukaku’s goal marks his 28th goal this season, a personal best for the Belgian.
Watch the highlights from the match here:
Next: Where will Manchester United finish this season?
In the end, Manchester United looked to be a much stronger team. Maybe Mourinho’s regular starting eleven were tired, but the players Mourinho chose re-energized the Red Devil team. Ultimately, Bournemouth could have caused United trouble, but the team worked out the kinks following an embarrassing loss to West Brom. Manchester United now look forward to play Tottenham.