United don't build on derby day success
Manchester United 0 - 3 Bournemouth
Manchester United will head into Christmas languishing in 13th place, following another lacklustre performance that has yielded just seven points from Rúben Amorim’s first six games in charge.
In stark contrast, Bournemouth find themselves flying high in fifth. With English clubs performing well in Europe this season, that position could potentially secure a spot in next year’s Champions League.
United were undone by Dean Huijsen’s 29th-minute header, as Bournemouth capitalised on the hosts' vulnerability at set-pieces.
Justin Kluivert doubled the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot, sending André Onana the wrong way after being fouled by Noussair Mazraoui.
Just two minutes later, Antoine Semenyo was left unmarked to convert Dango Ouattara’s cross, punishing Kobbie Mainoo’s costly error in midfield.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
What's going wrong for Manchester United?
United appeared to focus on defending set-pieces during their pre-match warm-up, but it seems the message isn't resonating with the players.
Earlier this month, they conceded two goals from corners in their match against Arsenal. This trend continued in their home defeat to Nottingham Forest, and during their recent EFL Cup elimination, Tottenham captain Son Heung-min scored directly from a corner.
In their latest blunder during a set-piece situation, Ryan Christie delivered a free-kick to the near post after Tyrell Malacia unnecessarily fouled Adam Smith near the touchline while the ball was bouncing out of play. There was nothing particularly strategic about United's defensive approach in that moment.
United did create opportunities, but they couldn’t make them count. On-loan Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga produced a brilliant first-half save to deny Bruno Fernandes after Dean Huijsen’s mistake in midfield.
Late in the game, substitute Leny Yoro also saw his effort kept out, though by that point, United were merely chasing a consolation goal.
While some teething problems were expected as the team adjusted to Rúben Amorim’s tactics and new formation, the hoped-for managerial bounce has been disappointingly short-lived. For Amorim, it’s shaping up to be anything but a merry Christmas.
Bournemouth find their shooting boots
After scoring one goal from 29 shots against West Ham on Monday, the stats were three from 10 this time around.
Once Huijsen had put the visitors ahead, Bournemouth had a measure of control and relied on their hosts to make mistakes, which they did with great frequency.
A great day for Bournemouth.
— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) December 22, 2024
A bad day for Manchester United.https://t.co/hJobDX5GXP https://t.co/j8mwao2JuM
Evanilsen would have had an open goal had he not gone too wide when he skipped round Onana as he recklessly ran from his goal to the edge of the area.
Kluivert kept his cool to finish from the spot just after the hour after he had drawn Mazraoui into an ill-advised penalty-area lunge.
And Semenyo had the energy to keep running after Mainoo had presented him with possession and an opportunity to counter just two minutes later.
This summer, owner Bill Foley spoke optimistically about 'little old Bournemouth' qualifying for Europe. That dream is very much alive.
