Manchester United drew 2-2 with Bournemouth on Saturday but even that result was undeserved.
Manchester United were plagued by the same old problems as they put in yet another putrid performance against a team with a significantly smaller budget but a far superior coaching framework.
Erik ten Hag once again set his side up intending to leave them completely open and easy to exploit. Or, if that was not the aim, then it’s impossible to tell what was.
Dominic Solanke gave Bournemouth a deserved lead as the Cherries created several good opportunities in the first half.
Bruno Fernandes was able to drag his side level but it changed nothing as Justin Kluivert restored the lead shortly afterwards.
United again got incredibly fortunate as a penalty for the softest of handballs afforded them their first shot of the second half as Fernandes levelled again.
Bournemouth thought they had earned a last-gasp penalty before VAR found the foul occurred outside of the box and the game ended all square.
Andre Onana – 5
Beaten at his near post for the second goal but then made a fine save to prevent it from going 3-1. Hamstrung again by facing so many shots.
Diogo Dalot – 3
A terrible defensive display. Given a torrid time by Luis Sinisterra, who was unlucky not to score after scorching past the right-back, and Milos Kerkez.
He completely lost Kluivert for the second goal, too, leaving a chasm of space to exploit, and then left Kerkez unmarked in the box and didn’t even react to the rebound off the bar before the left-back.
Did make one important clearance in added time.
Willy Kambwala – 4
A rude Premier League awakening for the youngster who struggled against the physical Solanke, with the striker turning him inside out for the opener.
It was a challenging afternoon in which his positioning was questionable and he suffered against a well-structured attack. Did make a strong challenge to start the move that led to the first leveller.
Very fortunate not to give away a last-gasp penalty.
Harry Maguire – 5
A wasteful, spooned shot over the bar from distance in first-half added time summed up another listless performance from United. Hesitated to get across for the second goal and contributed to a shaky defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Better performance back at left-back and was a willing runner down the wing even if nothing came of it.
Casemiro – 3
May as well have not been on the pitch given how easily Bournemouth passed through United’s midfield. Casemiro offered as much resistance as a piece of wrapping paper would to a punch.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Perhaps his quietest game in a United shirt, as he was rarely able to get hold of the ball in dangerous positions. On the one time he did, it was his shot that earned the penalty.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Gave the ball away with a loose touch for the Cherries to score the first goal but did make amends somewhat by creating the equaliser.
It was his only bright moment, though, as he continued to hold on to the ball too long in dangerous positions and give it away. Was hooked at halftime.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
United’s only source of true quality once again. Smashed in the first equaliser and coolly slotted in the second from the penalty spot. Worked tirelessly in both directions.
Marcus Rashford – 3
A couple of nice through balls to the on-rushing Wan-Bissaka aside, Rashford did very little. Could have been taken off at the break.
Rasmus Hojlund – 2
Completely ineffective. Tried holding the ball up but repeatedly got it nicked off his toes and offered no threat to the Bournemouth back line.
Substitutes
Amad Diallo – 4
On at the break but did little other than slice a shot well wide.
Mason Mount – 4
Came on with just over 10 minutes remaining but was unable to get on the ball.
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