Manchester United v Bournemouth LIVE: Result and reaction as dismal United thrashed by Cherries
Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth: Ruben Amorim’s side humbled by the flying Cherries as Dean Hujsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo all netted in a dominant display
Bournemouth thrashed Manchester United 3-0 to heap further problems upon Ruben Amorim as Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo scored in a dominant Cherries win.
The result means Bournemouth climb to fifth in the Premier League standings, while United are languishing in 13th and will welcome Christmas in the bottom half of the table for the first time since the 1989-90 campaign.
Marcus Rashford was once again absent from the Red Devils squad as Amorim continues to freeze out the England forward after his explosive interview claiming he was “ready for a new challenge” and suggesting he wants to leave Old Trafford.
Rashford has now missed this defeat, last weekend’s Manchester derby and the chaotic midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham.
Relive all the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below:
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
10 mins
The first chance for Bournemouth as the ball finds its way to Semenyo and he fires a tame effort straight at Onana.
Moments later, Maguire is penalised for a late challenge and the visitors will have a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
8 mins
Nothing strange in terms of positions today, with United settling into the setup we’ve become accustomed to under Amorim. Malacia and Dalot are the wing-backs today, with Mainoo and Amad as the advanced midfielders.
Some good defending from Martinez as he reads the run and prevents Smith getting down the wing.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
6 mins
CLOSE! Half a chance for United as Zirkzee and Mainoo combine in the box, with the England man taking a loose touch that runs to Amad. He hits a low shot first-time at the near post, but Kepa gets down well to save.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
4 mins
No chances yet for either side, as both are struggling to click in the forward areas. There’s barely been an attack of note.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
2 mins
A fairly frantic start here, with both sides looking to get forward as quickly as possible. There’s no dwelling in possession at the moment.
KICK-OFF! Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
The away side get us underway at Old Trafford.
A reminder that United can leapfrog Bournemouth into eighth, while Bournemouth will go into fifth if they can grab three points.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth LIVE
Both sides are in the tunnel at Old Trafford now, and we’re under five minutes from kick-off.
A reminder that there are three more 2pm kick-offs today, as Fulham host Southampton, Everton host Chelsea and Wolves travel to Leicester.
Match facts
Only Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have earned more points across the past 10 matches than Bournemouth’s 17.
The Cherries can win three consecutive away league games for the first time in a year, when a run of four victories on the road included a 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford.
Iraola’s side have scored a league-high eight Premier League goals by substitutes. Their last three goals were scored by players off the bench, in minutes 87, 95 and 90.
Iraola’s thoughts
In his own pre-match coneference, Cherries boss Andoni Iraola explained why his side are not as clinical as they could be, saying that “the way we play, it makes our forwards arrive more tired to finish our chances - it is not the same chance you have as if you just waiting for a chance as a nine.
“You have to do all of the work and maybe you don’t arrive with your mind as clear to finish in same way.”
On Enes Unal, he said: “He’s not starting a lot of games but he is playing in almost every game. I’m very happy for him and I’m also very happy for Evanilson. It’s a difficult decision and I hope I make the right decision.”
On United under Amorim, he added: “I think they play in a different way [to under previous manager Erik ten Hag]. They keep the games more under control and have really good patterns. They concede very few chances and are continuing [to improve].”
Match facts
Manchester United begin this matchround 13th in the table. They have not been lower than seventh at the end of a calendar year since sitting 15th in 1989. Their tally of 22 points is their lowest after 16 matches since 1989.
The Red Devils can win consecutive Premier League games for the first time in this campaign – they’ve lost nine of their last 25 Premier League home fixtures, following a 20-game unbeaten run.
United have conceded eight of their 19 Premier League goals from corners this season - the highest percentage of any team.
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