Manchester United Held For A Frustrating Draw

Manchester United’s wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them once again this season, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by a 10-men Bournemouth side. Jose Mourinho’s men squandered a bucket load of opportunities in the first ten minutes of the game to take the lead, with Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimović all missing from close range. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc was on top form, denying Anthony Martial soon after, but was beaten by Marcos Rojo, who put Manchester United ahead in the 23^rd minute.

The Cherries pulled back on level terms after Phil Jones fouled Marc Pugh in the box, resulting in a penalty kick and former Manchester United academy man Josh King made no mistake. There was a huge drama after that when defender Tyrone Mings appeared to have stamped Ibrahimović on the face, but the referee did not notice that. The Swede, soon after, elbowed the Cherries defender in their box but was lucky to escape a second yellow card. However, it was Bournemouth midfielder Andrew Surman who received his marching orders, for shoving Zlatan to the pitch in the aftermath.

The Cherries tightened at the back after the half-time break and defended stoutly, with United struggling to break them down despite wave after wave of attacks. Their golden chance arrived when right-back Adam Smith handled the ball in the penalty area but Ibrahimović’s poor night continued as his tame effort was easily stopped by Boruc. The Red Devils kept coming till the dying minutes and could have had the winner with a minute to spare, but that man Boruc was there to deny Pogba from point-blank range to guarantee a point for their team.

United let go of a great opportunity to break into the top-four of the standings and manager Jose Mourinho will be heavily disappointed and frustrated with their profligacy in front of goal. Here we take a look how each player fared on the afternoon:

Manchester United Player Ratings

David De Gea – 6/10

Had almost nothing to do for the entire duration of the game. Could not stop the well-taken penalty by King. Distributed well from the back.

Antonio Valencia – 7/10

United’s best player of the night by quite a distance. Always looked to close down his opponents, regained possession numerous times and romped forward. Set up Rojo’s goal as well.

Phil Jones – 3/10

Made an imbecile challenge on Pugh that allowed the Cherries to get back into the game from the penalty spot. Struggled defensively throughout the game. Poor and clumsy.

Marcos Rojo – 6/10

Had his issues with pace and physicality of Benik Afobe up front, but scored the goal for United from the six-yard box with a smart poke.

Luke Shaw – 6/10

Was a constant outlet down the left flank for United. Gave a good account of himself, playing his first league game since October. Was withdrawn in the 70^th minute as Mourinho attempted for a win.

Michael Carrick – 6/10

Looked to be up for it in the middle of the park early in the game with his expansive range of passing on display. But seemed to tire out as the game progressed and was booked for a foul on King. Taken off in the 70^th minute.

Paul Pogba – 4/10

Should have scored in an opportunity from close range early in the game. Forced another smart save from Boruc. But looked extremely casual for most parts of the game and missed a late chance as well. Poor distribution and lacked the killer attitude. Disappointing would be an understatement.

Juan Mata – 6/10

The Spaniard did his bit in the attacking third. Moved well, opened up spaces, but seemed to lack the clinical edge in crucial moments. His corners too weren’t up to the mark.

Wayne Rooney – 5/10

Should have put Manchester United ahead within minutes of the kick-off. Tried his damnedest but could not contribute much to the game. Was rightly taken off with 20 minutes to spare.

Anthony Martial – 6/10

Made himself a nuisance to Bournemouth on the left-flank with his pace and dribbling. Tested Boruc with a low effort, before teeing up Ibrahimović who missed at the goal-mouth. Other than that particular play he lacked in his end product.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – 3/10

Missed a horde of chances in the first half. Lucky to stay on the field after elbowing Tyrone Mings on the stroke of the half-time, having already been booked for an offence. Missed a penalty in the second half. Awful. Hero last weekend to villain this weekend.

Substitutes

Marouane Fellaini – 5/10

Came on for Carrick as part of Mourinho’s triple substitution in the 70^th minute. Tried to put around his physicality, but did not add any quality.

Marcus Rashford – 6/10

Replaced Rooney with 20 minutes left on the clock and caused some concerns for the Cherries defence with his pace, but could not pull his team across the winning line.

Jesse Lingard – 5/10

Replaced Shaw and slotted in at left-back for the last 20 minutes of the game. Did nothing noteworthy.