AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester United
Some Manchester United fans were anxious ahead of their upcoming Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth. Not only were the Cherries playing some great football, but they themselves have barely scraped by against considerably weaker competition in the Premier League.
For much of the game, it seemed like they were living up to the script set by pre-match Premier League 2018 odds. However, Marcus Rashford was there once again to save the day.
The young England striker showcased once more why he is the future of this club with a fighting finish at the end of the game.
Highlights of the game
Manchester United were desperate to get things back on the right track and tried to take control of the game’s momentum in the early minutes, with Alexis Sanchez’s early efforts being called off by the linesman.
However, the Cherries managed to mount a dangerous attack first. Ryan Fraser showcased his quality against the Premier League’s best by whizzing past the Manchester United defence to produce a shot within the box. David De Gea had to pull off a superb save in order to stop the Cherries from going ahead.
The minuscule yet impressive Scotland international kept on being a pest for Jose Mourinho as he continuously pounded Manchester United’s right wing. It was through his presence on the left that the Red Devils’ defence had to adjust and open some space for the game’s first goal.
Junior Stanislas was free from the right side after an 11th-minute corner. He had all the time in the world before making a low cross to Callum Wilson just in front of the box. The prolific striker, who is expected to get an England call-up soon, coolly slotted the ball home to give the Cherries a surprising lead over United.
It seemed that United managed to wake up from that goal, however. The Red Devils began to connect more passes and get more time with the ball. Anthony Martial threatened to score against Asmir Begovic at least twice.
The Frenchman eventually got the goal he wanted in the 35th minute after a moment of brilliance. Sanchez made a quick pass to the middle of the box, which was left empty. Martial quickly dashed in to meet the ball and quickly fired a cannon past Begovic and into the goal.
With the momentum fully on their side, United tried to end the half with their team on the lead. Juan Mata almost put the Red Devils in a comfortable spot when he got some space to produce a shot late in the first half. However, his effort drifted wide of the right post. The Cherries managed to end the half on a positive note when both Fraser and Stanislas attempted goals of their own.
The fans at Vitality Court were curious as to which manager was able to encourage his team better. It would seem like Mourinho did a better job as Martial and Luke Shaw started the reset roaring. Specifically, Luke Shaw’s blitz and shot attempt inside the box made plenty of Bournemouth fans sweat beads.
Manchester United tried to force their way into the Bournemouth goal as Alexis Sanchez, Ashley Young and substitutes Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera had their cracks at the goal. However, Asmir Begovic and the Cherries’ backline were able to keep it together and keep the draw.
The frustration on Mourinho’s face was visible after the Red Devils were still without a go-ahead goal on 75 minutes. There is great pressure for him to produce results, and the flow of the match is not doing him any favours.
The ball-winner eventually came deep into additional time: Paul Pogba launched a beautiful cross into the middle of the box. Nathan Ake, one of the better performers in this Bournemouth team, wasn’t able to clear the ball as it landed on Rashford’s chest. The young England international had enough time to target his shot and launch it to the net despite being surrounded by at least three Bournemouth players.
Jose Mourinho and the rest of the Manchester United rejoiced in the three points they gained. Eddie Howe’s men tried to pull off a late equaliser, but there was too little time left on the clock for the Cherries to organise a meaningful attack.
Key statistics
Paul Tierney had a bit of an itchy hand when it came to his card pocket. He pulled out his yellow card a grand total of seven times, close to half of the total amount of fouls made in 90 minutes.
Despite their defeat, Bournemouth fans had reason to celebrate this game. The 11th-minute goal Wilson scored against United was the 50th goal he scored for the club in all competitions. There’s no question that the Cherries will do everything they can to keep the former Coventry product.
Meanwhile, things are starting to look up for United’s league form. This result somewhat mirrors their game against Everton wherein Martial shone once more from the left wing. It would be foolish of Mourinho to try and sell the Frenchman in the January window. He must do everything he can to secure his services past this season.
What’s next?
SBOBET fans have a lot more football to expect from these two clubs, and there are just as many Premier League 2018 highlights that will come from these two clubs.
Bournemouth have a tough month ahead as they will be squaring off against Arsenal and Manchester City within the next four weeks. This means that they must win their next game against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Meanwhile, United will be trading blows with Crystal Palace after the international break before hosting Young Boys in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League. The game against the Gunners is a must-win match for Mourinho and the Red Devils’ Champions League aspirations.
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