Manchester United were booed off after they suffered a humiliating hammering at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Only three days after a crucial victory over Chelsea injected renewed hope into a campaign hanging on the edge of crisis, Erik ten Hag’s team faced an unexpected setback against a resurgent Bournemouth, who secured their first-ever win at Old Trafford.
Dominic Solanke’s early goal put the Cherries in the lead, a position they thoroughly deserved. In a remarkable turn of events, headers from Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi within five minutes of the second half completed one of the most memorable triumphs in Bournemouth’s history.
The situation could have been bleaker for United, but a potential fourth goal by substitute Dango Ouattara was disallowed by the video assistant referee in stoppage time due to handball.
Arriving just three days before Manchester United’s crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, a match they must win to keep their hopes alive for the last 16, this day proved to be as dismal as possible for Ten Hag. Despite his recent recognition as the Premier League’s manager of the month, the defeat marked another low point for him.
With seven losses in 16 league games, his team’s overall record includes an equal number of wins and losses in all competitions – 11 each. Notably, they have suffered three 3-0 defeats at home.
Hardly anyone in a red shirt earned praise, and Ten Hag’s surprising decision to start Antony Martial backfired.
Solanke the striking star
In the aftermath of Manchester United’s lackluster defeat at Newcastle last Saturday, Martial and Marcus Rashford faced harsh criticism.
Both were excluded from the subsequent victory against Chelsea, making it somewhat surprising that Martial was swiftly brought back into the lineup. While the French forward occasionally dropped deep to connect play, he posed no threat to the Bournemouth goal.
Compounding matters, a couple of misreads resulted in missed opportunities for through balls, and Alejandro Garnacho failed to capitalize on one such chance. Martial’s only noteworthy shot, taken from the edge of the area midway through the first half, lacked power and was easily gathered by Neto.
The contrast with Solanke was evident. Whenever the former Chelsea and Liverpool player took possession around the United box, his primary instinct was to pose a threat to the goal.
His adept finish took full advantage of the wet conditions, capitalizing on Lewis Cook’s exploit of static defending by Manchester United. The opportunity arose after Bruno Fernandes lofted a clearance out of the penalty area, allowing Cook to deliver a low cross that Solanke skillfully steered in at the far post.
Solanke maintained a persistent threat, striking the base of a post with another shot across the goal. Additionally, his header contributed to Marcus Tavernier seemingly scoring a second goal, although it was ultimately disallowed for offside.
Before even reaching the hour mark, Martial was substituted for Rasmus Hojlund, a move that garnered loud cheers from the home crowd. However, the change made little impact.
First, Billing, rising above Luke Shaw, and then Senesi, left unmarked during a corner, exploited United’s vulnerabilities in the air, securing a remarkable victory for Bournemouth.
Furious Ten Hag
The stern expression on Ten Hag’s face as his players departed the field indicated the Dutchman’s intense frustration with the performance. In this sentiment, he was not alone.
The thousands of empty red seats visible through the gloom at the final whistle conveyed the tale of a dismal display. United exhibited deficiencies in both penalty areas, leaving Ten Hag without any apparent solutions.
If anything, the performance was even more disheartening than the one at St James’ Park a week ago, which drew severe criticism and sparked rumors of discord within the team.
If United fails to secure their Champions League status midweek, they will approach the upcoming match against old rivals Liverpool next weekend with trepidation. Complicating matters, captain Bruno Fernandes will be suspended after receiving his fifth booking. This scenario leaves them vulnerable to a repeat of the heavy defeat suffered last season, where they were beaten 7-0.