Manchester United got an important result off Bournemouth in the end after a well taken Rasmus Hojlund goal in added time, and will feel a huge boost ahead of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.
United started the game extremely well, working very nicely in tight spaces between Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and the captain, Bruno Fernandes. All three players, who were helped by the occupation of space by Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, were bright sparks in the opening 45.
Bournemouth weathered that early storm and then began to step onto United, with their clear physical advantages showing as the half wore on, eventually punishing the away side with a well-taken drive from United target Antoine Semenyo.
The second half did not get any better for United for a while, as they looked truly inept of any ideas as Bournemouth continued to dominate the game until the red card for Evanilson. United took control after that and got the draw in the end after a Rasmus Hojlund finish late on.
It’s a huge result ahead of Thursday, as United need any bit of positivity going into the game.
Player Ratings:
Andre Onana – 6
Done what he had to during the game. Decent in possession. Will be happy with no errors before a big game on Thursday. Not much he could have done for the goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Not his favourite position, but he did okay up against a tough customer in Dango Ouattara and also the powerful Milos Kerkez. The second half was much the same; Diogo Dalot was missed today.
Leny Yoro – 7
Growing in strength, stature and experience in a red shirt. Another hugely positive half. United have a player on their hands, in possession and out of possession.
Harry Maguire – 6
Dominant at the back for large portions. A true turnaround in a United jersey, considering what he’s gone through in the past. Will be important Thursday and was perhaps unlucky not to have a penalty after two clear fouls from Semenyo.
Luke Shaw – 6
Not involved in the game much. He will be easing himself back in with every passing minute. Pleasure to have him back regardless, but he may have given Dorgu a difficult task with the pass for the goal. Grew into the game heavily late on when he went to a left-back role, marauding forward and delivering some nice crosses.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Another player who struggled to get involved on such a tight pitch at the Vitality. Showed some pace and clever touches at times but was easily dispossessed for the goal. Booked for one of the worst refereeing decisions in football history for a clean tackle on Adam Smith. Seriously, worrying refereeing.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Expert in tight spaces. Went close early on after gliding by three of four in red and black. United are a much more clever unit with the academy lad in the side, but he faded in the second half, with United’s midfield becoming near enough non-existent. The Reds need to continue to work out a way to get him on the ball going forward.
Casemiro – 6
Worked well with Bruno and Kobbie at times in tight spaces. Defended well. Much more suited to this system than Erik ten Hag’s and a problem solver in possession for the Portuguese coach. Like Kobbie, he faded in the second half, as did his other midfield partner, Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Creation looks difficult without Bruno on the ball. Everything good the away side done came through their captain, especially when he dropped deep and delivered one of the passes of the season in behind for Garnacho. After that, Bruno wasn’t involved much, if at all, as Bournemouth’s midfield suffocated. Got the assist late on to give United the draw however, further rubberstamping his importance.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Went close with a drive after 12 minutes. Struggled to get much of the ball but did have some nice moments on the ball between the lines. Should have scored from Bruno’s world-class pass. Struggling to get fully into games and also needs to work heavily on his finishing, as on a different day his finish in the first half gets United back on terms just before half time.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Really struggled during the first half, which is becoming too common a theme. Hold up play non-existent. Needs a run of goals, as it’s clear his confidence is very low. Got the goal in the end in what you could say was a piece of luck, but he does have to be in the right place to get that goal. Elated after the finish. Huge moment for him.
Subs:
Mason Mount – 6
Still getting back to grips with fitness. Nowhere near as fluid as he can be during the game, but he did have some nice moments in the left half space. Something to build on
Chido Obi – 6
Nearly scored within 30 seconds of coming on. Threw his physicality about, but the ball refused to drop in the right areas for either him or Hojlund, until it did. Created some chances for himself and United will be upset they never registered him for the Europa.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Buzzed around and shored up the midfield with a bit more energy than Casemiro; ultimately, it wasn’t enough in the end.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Done okay off the bench, but largely had nothing to do after the home side went down to ten.
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