United Beyond Manchester

Heading into Christmas 2024, Manchester United sit in 13th place, just 10 points above the drop zone. The season has been a disaster, which was epitomized by the home performance against Bournemouth.

Match Flow

The first thirty minutes were tight, as neither team was able to create any clear-cut chances. However, as has been the case this season, a set-piece situation saw United fall behind

A questionable foul call on Tyrell Malacia provided Bournemouth a free kick in a good position. Dean Huijsen easily beat Joshua Zirkzee, and the teenager’s looping header left Andre Onana with no chance, earning the Cherries a 1-0 lead.

Bruno Fernandes missed a golden chance to equalize in the 40th minute. Amad Diallo received the ball in the box and laid it back to Fernandes, whose shot flashed wide. Just one minute later, Fernandes had another opportunity, but Kepa made a strong save to deny him.

A flurry of attacks to end the first half failed to produce a leveler, and Amorim’s Reds entered the break down a goal.

After a decent start to the second half, a poor tackle from Noussair Mazraoui handed the visitors a penalty, which was converted by their spot-kick specialist, Justin Kluivert.

Three minutes later, the match completely unraveled. A quick break by Bournemouth saw Dango Outtara in the perfect position for a cutback, and he found Antoine Semenyo for a third.

The Reds were unable to even find a consolation goal and were shut out 3-0 at Old Trafford by a Bournemouth team who moved into 5th place.

Analysis

Manchester United’s issues with set pieces are becoming increasingly concerning. Bournemouth’s opening goal was straightforward; a well-placed cross found a player who easily outmuscled his marker to score. Something needs to change, as this United team is being hindered by their inability to effectively mark and defend during corner kicks and free kicks.

This loss was not a case of a Manchester United implosion or United beating themselves. Manchester United was dominated at Old Trafford by Bournemouth. The Reds were second-best in every facet of the game, and the visitors were comfortable throughout the match in defense. The current set of players is not good enough, and because of a poor transfer market strategy, little money is available to fix the issues. Ruben Amorim is going to have to find something in his current team to salvage this season.

Next Match

Manchester United have a quick turnaround and will travel to Wolverhampton on Boxing Day. The Wolves won their first match under new manager Vitor Pereira 3-0 over Leicester City on Sunday.