Manchester United made it consecutive losses after the midweek defeat, getting turned over against Bournemouth 0-3 at Old Trafford.
The Cherries have increasingly become one of Manchester United’s bogey teams and it was clearly visible in how both teams began.
Bournemouth hurried the United players on the ball every time and were successful in catching them out at time but no clear-cut chances were there for either side.
Until the 29th minute, when the set-piece difficulty reared its head again, with Zirkzee being outjumped by Dean Huijsen off a free-kick to give the visitors a lead.
United laid siege on the Bournemouth goal as the first half came to a closure but missed the final shot/pass as they trailed going into the break.
Amorim’s assessment of the XI selected was clear immediately after as three changes were made in 52 minutes, including Malacia coming off at halftime.
It didn’t make much difference as United still struggled to create opportunities and Bournemouth compounded the misery, scoring off a penalty conceded by Mazraoui.
A collapse from the Ten Hag era ensued as United conceded a third straight after with Ruben Amorim looking on dumbfounded. Last year’s scoreline in the same fixture was matched.
United kept missing chances the rest of the game as fans left dejected well before full-time, having had a deja vu experience of last year’s game.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 3
Rooted to his spot for the goal and left in no man’s land for a chance in the second half. The regular swagger is gone.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Position shifted again as he started as the right-sided centre-back this time. Position changed for the second half and conceded the penalty for Bournemouth’s second. A rare tough outing albeit in difficult circumstances.
Harry Maguire – 5
Sometimes too eager to stop attacks led to him conceding needless fouls.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
The “Butcher” version has disappeared of late and this was more of the same as his usual robustness was missing and he looked a bit undecided on the ball.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Much improved as he came back on his preferred right side. Finally found use for his threatening positions by delivering some dangerous balls.
Tyrell Malacia – 3
Made many unforced errors and looked behind the pace of the game. Bournemouth’s energetic pressing was too much for him. Taken off at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte – 6.5
Was having another solid and secure game as the destroyer in the middle until he had to take one for the team as he got booked for stopping a transition.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Some nice flicks and tricks but could have been more assertive on the ball by driving it forward to scramble a tight defence.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Found himself at the end of two best chances of the first half and fluffed both. At least he was very involved.
Amad – 7
His true challenge has arrived as a marked man. Bournemouth put three defenders on him to leave him zero space but still remained United’s most threatening attacker.
Joshua Zirkzee – 3
Headed oxygen for Bournemouth’s opener and was sloppy in linking up the play. Hojlund miles ahead right now in the striker battle.
Substitutes
Leny Yoro – 6
Added much-needed physicality to the back three and his ball-playing qualities were a huge plus too.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Clear improvement on Zirkzee as fashioned some chances with his hold-up play.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Got at the end of some fine balls after running in behind but the final product was absent. He looks a shell of the player who thrilled the fans.
Manager
Ruben Amorim -5
The result is a huge blow and one which will raise some questions on him as well but with the amount of chances United had, this shouldn’t have been the case. Something needs to change, and it won’t be the manager this time.
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