Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth: United put Bournemouth to the sword with fantastic performance

Manchester United demonstrated their top-four credentials in an exemplary 3-0 win over Bournemouth, with Casemiro, Shaw and Rashford on the scoresheet.

United came into the match looking to extend their three-match winning streak in the Premier League, having won each of their last three Premier League games. Bournemouth provided a great opportunity for this, with the Cherries having lost their previous three Premier League games on the bounce, prior to this encounter at Old Trafford.

Post World-Cup rotation was evident in the United line-up to face Bournemouth, with the Reds making four changes in personnel prior to kick-off. The back four became one that fans would be all too familiar with, with Harry Maguire partnering with Victor Lindelof at centre-back, accompanied by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw on either side. Marcus Rashford returned to the starting XI in a forward role alongside Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial.

Read More: Five things learned as Manchester United blow Bournemouth away

United established an early foothold in the game, with their dominance on the ball and movement to create space causing problems for the Bournemouth defence, despite an inability to create any clear-cut chances.

Bournemouth themselves were restricted to attempting passes over the top in the hope of getting in behind the United defensive unit but saw these attempts generally thwarted by a solid and organised defensive line.

The reward for United’s persistence and hard work eventually came through a fantastic Casemiro finish in the 23rd minute from a Christian Eriksen freekick. It was the Brazilian’s second Premier League goal for the Reds and was taken superbly, with the 30-year-old stroking a first-time finish into the top corner at the front post.

The remaining 25 minutes of the half saw little excitement, as United looked to slow down the game, showing a level of game management that had been missing from the side in previous years.

Following the slow end to the first half, United came out for the second with a renewed intensity and drive. This quickly proved fruitful, as Luke Shaw extended their lead in the 49th minute, finishing off a fantastic passing sequence that took the Reds from effectively their own box to the opposition’s goal in a matter of seconds. Alejandro Garnacho provided the cutback for Shaw’s finish, having replaced a limping Donny van de Beek on the stroke of halftime.

Bournemouth came back into the game, forcing two fine saves from David de Gea in quick succession as they looked to salvage a result. The Cherries’ brief spell of momentum ultimately resulted in little, however, as the United defence stood resolute.

Alejandro Garncho went close to getting a third for the Reds, cutting inside and curling an effort onto the far post.

United’s defensive midfielders continued to impose themselves on the game, with Fred, who had replaced Christian Eriksen, making a number of good interventions to stem any potential attacks from Bournemouth.

The third goal eventually came for the Reds during a spell of sheer dominance, taking advantage of a difference between the fitness of the sides. Bruno Fernandes put it on a plate for the Englishman, who continues his rich vain of form. it must also be noted that the pass to Fernandes prior to the assist was a beautiful diagonal pass from Luke Shaw, landing right on the foot of the Portuguese star.

Much to the elation of the Old Trafford crowd, there was a brief cameo for World Cup winner, Lisandro Martinez, who came on for a superb Victor Lindelof.

This result proves to be an important one for Manchester United, with the win cementing their place in fourth and out of reach of Spurs in fifth. In addition, Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal earlier in the evening brings United and Newcastle level on points in fourth and third respectively.