Man United Player Ratings vs Bournemouth: Here’s how the Reds fared
Manchester United’s mini-revival came to a crashing halt as Josh King’s strike on the stroke of half-time earned Bournemouth a 1-0 win at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked to have turned the corner following a morale-boosting run of three consecutive victories in all competitions but their failings on the road returned at Bournemouth.
However, it was Manchester United that had started the brighter as both sides struggled to cope in testing conditions in the south coast. Daniel James whistled a long-range effort just wide, whilst Anthony Martial saw appeals for a penalty waved away.
But Josh King, former Manchester United trainee, struck the decisive blow just before the break. The Norwegian acrobatically lifted the ball beyond Victor Lindelof and puzzled Aaron Wan-Bissaka before firing past David de Gea.
Solskjaer sent on two teenagers in search of an equaliser and one, Mason Greenwood, went close, but the forward’s volley from Fred’s cross came back off the near post. Scott McTominay’s shot was too close to Ramsdale, who collected at the second attempt.
Manchester Player Ratings
David de Gea- 5/10
Saved well when called on. Could do little about the goal but stopped King from scoring on the hour mark.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 6/10
Defended superbly on the front-foot in the first-half, cutting out plenty of Bournemouth attacks. Got caught out for the Bournemouth goal as he couldn’t stop King.
Victor Lindelof- 3/10
Absolutely shocking defending from the Swede, who gave so much time and space for King to turn and score.
Harry Maguire- 4/10
Mostly solid with his passing and awareness but at times struggled to cope with King and Wilson’s pace.
Ashley Young- 3/10
Young was poor defensively, whilst rarely threatened going forward. Couldn’t put one decent cross in the box.
Scott McTominay- 5/10
Worked tirelessly off the ball but he just wasn’t crisp today. Couldn’t control the tempo of the game.
Fred- 6/10
Missed an early chance. Had a decent first-half but really pushed the tempo superbly second-half with some incisive passes. Should have got an assist had Greenwood buried the ball in the back of the net.
Andreas Pereira- 3/10
Pereira was just not in the game from the start and was rightfully subbed off in the second half.
Daniel James- 5/10
Found lots of space down the right and terrorised Rico with his pace and direct running in the first half. Faded after the break and was taken off.
Marcus Rashford- 5/10
Looked anonymous for almost half an hour. Got into the game with some mazy runs down the left and was a constant menace. He looked United’s most dangerous player by far.
Anthony Martial- 2/10
Largely uninvolved in the first half as he looked off the pace. Never really threatened the Bournemouth backline. The game just passed by the Frenchman.
Substitutes
Jesse Lingard- 4/10
Brought some urgency to United’s play. Wasted a very good chance.
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Brandon Williams- 5/10
Immediately added a lot of energy and pace down the left flank and looked a threat. Created a good chance.
Mason Greenwood- 4/10
Hit the post with a late chance at the back-post almost immediately after coming on.