Manchester United vs Bournemouth Report

Scorers: Huijsen 29’, Kluivert 61’ (P), Semenyo 63’

Bournemouth delivered a humbling blow to Manchester United with a dominant 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, marking their second consecutive league win at the Theatre of Dreams.

This result leaves United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas for the first time in 35 years, while Bournemouth continues their unexpected push for European football.

First Half: Bournemouth Strike First

The match began tentatively, with both sides struggling to impose themselves. However, Bournemouth soon grew into the contest and broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark.

Ryan Christie’s perfectly delivered free-kick was met by Dean Huijsen, whose glancing header beat André Onana to give the visitors a deserved lead.

United struggled to respond, and when Bruno Fernandes was presented with a golden chance after Huijsen’s sloppy error, Bournemouth’s Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga produced a crucial save to preserve their advantage.

The Old Trafford crowd grew restless as United went into the break trailing for a sixth straight game.

Second Half: Cherries Run Riot

Rúben Amorim, sensing the urgency, introduced Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund early in the second half to add attacking firepower. However, the changes failed to spark a revival, as Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 58th minute.

Noussair Mazraoui’s clumsy foul on Justin Kluivert resulted in a penalty, which the Dutchman converted with composure.

Just two minutes later, Bournemouth added a third, capitalising on a stunned United defence. Dango Ouattara’s precise cut-back found Antoine Semenyo, who slotted home clinically to seal the contest.

The visitors continued to threaten but eased off as the game wore on, content to see out a historic result.

What This Means

• Bournemouth: Andoni Iraola’s side now sit in an incredible fifth place, dreaming of European qualification as they head into the festive period on a high.
• Manchester United: The Red Devils remain 13th, a far cry from their usual standards. Amorim faces mounting pressure to turn around a dismal season that continues to veer further off course.

Next Fixtures

• Bournemouth: Host Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day, aiming to extend their remarkable run.
• Manchester United: Face Newcastle United away, desperately needing a positive result to lift the gloom at Old Trafford.

This emphatic result underscores Bournemouth’s upward trajectory and Manchester United’s ongoing struggles in what has been a season of contrasts for the two sides.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Man Utd v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League