Author: Conor Kelly
After the midweek elimination from the Champions league it was further woe and disappointment for the Reds as they suffered their third league defeat of the season to a determined Bournemouth side.
After the midweek elimination from the Champions league it was further woe and disappointment for the Reds as they suffered their third league defeat of the season to a determined Bournemouth side.
After a nightmare start which saw the Reds concede directly from a corner, Marouane Fellaini and Paddy Mcnair almost levelled for the visitors. Eventually Fellaini scrambled home the equalizer from Memphis’ rebound, and the rest of the half United looked relatively comfortable with the ball, yet without creating too many chances. The Reds also had De Gea to thank for his bravery at making a crucial save later on in the first half.
In midweek United’s failure to deal with set pieces proved costly, and once again they came up short early into the second half when Joshua King slotted in and the Reds appeared taken aback by this. Fellaini and Martial threatened again, yet Bournemouth hung on to clinch victory.
A naïve and inexperienced defence for United appeared uncomfortable, with makeshift centre half Blind appearing nervy and lacking composure alongside young Mcnair. Too often they allowed Bournemouth attackers to run in behind and trouble them. It was a difficult test for the new full backs, Borthwick Jackson and Varela, but they coped reasonably well despite the result.
The decision to remove Fellaini, arguably United’s most threatening player alongside Martial, for Nick Powell was questionable from the manager, and he failed to make an impact, very much similar to Tuesday night at Wolfsburg. Once again United’s lack of attacking credentials was highlighted and things didn’t get better upon realising that Javier Hernandez scored a hat trick on the same night, his 15th in 12 games. By getting rid of him and seeing the squad so limited particularly amongst an injury crisis, the stubborn Van Gaal may be privately regretting his choice. The Europa league schedule is tricky and demanding, and requires a squad with depth. Currently this is an area this side lacks, compounded with the severe injury list, added to by Jesse Lingard’s first half departure.
As for Van Gaal’s own future, social media appear to be turning against him slowly but surely. United are still in the title race, and you can’t help feeling if they come up short, with Guardiola, Ancelotti reportedly available, Van Gaal himself may pay the price for United’s shortcomings.
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