Bournemouth secured an astonishing replica of their 2017 triumph by thrashing Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford and delivering the Red Devils to the Premier League bottom half by Christmas for the first time since 1989.
Andoni Iraola’s side, riding high in fifth place, exposed United’s ongoing struggles with clinical finishing and defensive frailty, turning the festive period into a nightmare for Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered team.
Match Highlights
Huijsen Opens the Scoring
A cautious first-half hour saw the visitors take advantage of an opportunity. Dean Huijsen caught Ryan Christie’s inswinging free-kick, glanced at the post with a header which eluded André Onana for his maiden Premier League away goal.
– Huijsen almost turned villain shortly after when a poor pass gifted Bruno Fernandes a chance, but Kepa Arrizabalaga,
on loan from Chelsea, denied the Portuguese midfielder with a sharp save.
Kluivert Converts from the Spot
Uniteds hopes of a tie came undone in the early minutes of the second half as Noussair Mazraoui committed a rather reckless foul on Justin Kluivert inside the box.
– Kluivert calmly slotted the penalty past Onana, marking his fourth successful spot-kick of the season and doubling Bournemouth’s lead.
Semenyo Seals the Victory
Two minutes after the first goal, Bournemouth made United’s misery worse when Antoine Semenyo converted a pass from Dango Ouattara’s clever,
low cutback and completed an explosively fast and deadly counter-attack.
United’s Nightmare Season Continues
Despite a desperate attempt to change the game with the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, United failed to break through a disciplined Bournemouth defense. The defeat marked the sixth consecutive game in which United conceded first, underlining their chronic inability to control matches.
Manager Ruben Amorim is facing ever increasing pressure as, just 10 points separate his group and the European qualification berths, and also a point behind the relegation zone, rather that the European qualification berths. Their challenges are aggravated not only by the poorly coordinated attack, but also by the repeated defensive falliures.
Bournemouth’s European Dreams
On the other hand Bournemouth end the Christmas period in 5th position having won four of their last five matches. The Bears are booming now with Iraola in charge, with some wonderful performances from Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo and the ever-reliable Kepa Arrizabalaga to place their very back of the throat on the brink of a fairy tale European qualification.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United
– Next match: At Nottingham Forest where Amorim is only too happy to delay United’s fall.
– Key focus: Defensive resilience and a more offensive approach to make it through the year.
Bournemouth
– Next match: Hosting Fulham, in which Iraola’s team will be hoping to earn their European place.
These two way of thinking have been continuing for Bournemouth’s dream and may have come to an end for Manchester United.
