Putting in what was a nightmare performance at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United were hit with a 3-0 drumming against Bournemouth.
Drastically struggling to find any kind of fluidity, a high-flying Bournemouth took a lead just before the half hour mark as Dean Huijsen’s glanced header opened the scoring.
With Ruben Amorim cutting a frustrated figure in the dugout, the Cherries deservedly doubled their advantage in the 61st-minute after Justin Kliuvert cooly converted from the penalty spot following Noussair Mazraoui’s rash challenge.
Things only got worse for Manchester United as Antoine Semenyo swept home for Bournemouth’s third just a couple of minutes after Kliuvert’s spot kick.
Booed off by the Old Trafford support here, Sunday’s hosts will open Christmas Day sat 13th in the Premier League table and facing what will be another public backlash.
As for Bournemouth, embarking on what has been a history-making romp this season, the Cherries have now collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League appearances and they are scrapping it out in a European race.
On an afternoon when Bournemouth secured yet another iconic 3-0 romp at Old Trafford, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
Amorim is starting to realise the job he faces
While there might have been plenty of excitement around the red half of Manchester last month following Amorim’s arrival, the former sporting Lisbon boss might not have realised quite the job he has on his hands.
Putting in yet another nightmare performance here and with the Old Trafford support making their feelings heard at the final whistle, Sunday’s hosts find themselves at the heart of a public crisis.
Crashing out of the EFL Cup earlier in the week following an action-packed 4-3 loss away at Tottenham, Amorim has failed to find an immediate solution since arriving at Old Trafford following November’s international break.
Despite mounting that sensational last-gasp comeback away at bitter local rivals Manchester City last weekend, United have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion.
Including an infamous 3-2 defeat at home against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, Amorim’s new squad have now lost three of their previous four Premier League appearances.
Bournemouth extend on their remarkable European charge
While Bournemouth might have stormed their way to a famous 3-0 victory when they travelled to Old Trafford last season, few would have expected a repeat outcome on Sunday afternoon.
However, with the mood in Andoni Iraola’s camp at a red-hot high, the Cherries have enjoyed a sensational rise and were a more than deserving winner here.
Collecting another heavyweight scalp in the red half of Manchester, the former Rayo Vallecano boss finds his squad at the heart of a European chase and the open Christmas Day sat within touching distance of the Champions League spots.
Marking their return from November’s international break with a dramatic 4-2 win against Wolves, Bournemouth have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League appearances.
Finding a real clinical edge in the final third and causing United a string of issues here, Iraola’s side have certainly cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages.
United are dealing with a defensive crisis
When Amorim officially arrived at Old Trafford last month, the Portuguese tactician would have know the importance of offering some defensive stability.
However, completely blown away here and crashing out of the EFL Cup in north London on Thursday night, United have shipped seven goals in their back-to-back appearances over the past week.
Unable to call upon former Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligton Sunday afternoon, United have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
In fact, the Red Devils have shipped 17 goals in Amorim’s first nine appearances across all competitions since arriving at Old Trafford last month.
Putting just a single clean sheet on the board since returning from November’s international break, United have also conceded more Premier League goals (22) than they have scored (21).
Match Report
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Dalot, Ugarte, Maison, Diallo, Fernandes, Zirkzee
Subs: Yoro, Garnacho, Hojlund
Bournemouth: Kepa, Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez, Adams, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara, Evanilson
Subs: Cook, Hill, Billing, Brooks, Unal
Goals: Huijsen (29’), Kluivert (61’ P), Semenyo (63’)
Yellow Cards: Manchester United: Ugarte – Bournemouth: Kepa, Smith, Huijsen
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Peter Banks
