Manchester United beat Bournemouth 4-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday, the final match of 2018. It was the third victory in a row for Ole Gunnar Solakjaer, match the record set by Sir Matt Busby and Jose Mourinho, willing the first three matches at the club as manager. United’s level of confidence will be at an all-time high this season after three good performances and nine points on the board. Arsenal now have a team coming to get them…
It was Paul Pogba, the Man of the Match, who opened up the scoring in the fifth minute, double the lead in the 34th. Marcus Rashford struck in the 45th minute, Nathan Ake scoring a consolation in injury time. Romelu Lukaku, a 70th-minute substitute, scored United’s fourth goal just two minutes after replacing Rashford, who got another standing ovation. There was a bit of sourness in the game as Eric Bailly was sent off with ten minutes to play.
It was another good match for United and Pogba was ready and raring to go. His two goals showed his class and his hunger to achieve. Marcus Rashford was a contender for the MOTM, his play has been brilliant lately and he has really stood in well as the lead striker in Romelu Lukaku’s absence. Solskjaer will be impressed with his side’s victory and the confidence will be high for a visit to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
The Spanish number one had a relatively easy day at the Theatre of Dreams. Bournemouth never really threatened consistently, which led to him not having to make many saves. Was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet. United's defence need a lot of improvement this season.
18 Ashley Young
The England defender got forward a lot of the time and Bournemouth never really got the better of him in a defensive aspect. Booked late in the first half.
2 Victor Lindelof
Played solidly alongside Bailly, before he was sent off, and afterwards with Jones. Got forward at times and played a passing game well for his club.
3 Eric Bailly
Sent off with ten minutes remaining. Rusty performance. Could have given Bournemouth a penalty with a high boot also. Not his best performance for United.
23 Luke Shaw
Had the freedom to get forward and used that throughout the game. He seems to play a lot better on the left when Martial is ahead of him. He did the same with Memphis Depay a few years back.
21 Ander Herrera
The balance he gave this United side was easy to see. The energy he utilises in the midfield role is something that would be missed if he was not there. Got an assist for Pogba's second goal.
31 Nemanja Matic
Another good performance for the Serbian midfielder. He seems to be a different player since Mourinho was sacked. Was open to criticism a few weeks back, now seems to be lauded once again. A great player to have in the team.
6 Paul Pogba
MOTM. The Frenchman has risen to the occasion since Mourinho parted ways with United. He had to pull out all of the stops though. His two goals were superb and he was unlucky not to score his first career hat-trick. Also got an assist in Lukaku's goal.
14 Jesse Lingard
It was not the best performance for Lingard. Not a bad one, but not a good one. He has been a crucial cog in the team in the two games pervious to this one. Hopefully, he's back in the zone away to Newcastle, if he plays.
10 Marcus Rashford
Put himself on the line for his team. Got a goal and an assist for his troubles. He will give Lukaku a run to lead the line for United. However, if both find form, there is no reason why two strikers could not lead the line. However, that would be one for the manager to sort out the specifics of.
9 Anthony Martial
Glad to have him back in the starting XI. When he's on form, United tend to be on form too. He might not have got a goal, but his assist was a great creation, showing the beautiful attacking football and flair this United side are capable of.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku
Replaced Rashford 70'. His firs appearance under Solskjaer. Got a goal two minutes after replacing Rashford. He put in a good performance, considering his previous poor form and the fact he missed the last two matches. Good to see hims back in the team and on the score sheet.
15 Andreas Pereira
Replaced Herrera 76'. Turns 23 on Tuesday. Got 14 minutes under his belt. He did not stand out for me. He would need more minutes to do that. Might get more on Wednesday against Newcastle, or against Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday.
4 Phil Jones
Replaced Martial 81'. Came on to add to the defensive numbers after Bailly's red card. Did not really have to do much.
Goals: Paul Pogba 5′, 34′, Marcus Rashford 45′, Romelu Lukaku 72′; Nathan Ake 45+2′
Assists: Marcus Rashford 5′, Ander Herrera 34′, Anthony Martial 45′, Paul Pogba 72′; David Brooks 45+2′
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Herrera (Pereira 76′), Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford (Lukaku 70′), Martial (Jones 81′)
Substitutes Not Used: Romero, Darmian; Mata, Fellaini
Bookings: Ashley Young 36′, Ander Herrera 51′, Eric Bailly s/o 79′
