Bournemouth 0, Manchester United 1
Casemiro’s goal was just enough to beat Bournemouth as Manchester United eased to victory on the south coast.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited boss Erik Ten Hag was very happy with the result, which leaves the Reds on the brink of qualification for the Champions League.
He said: “The first 25 minutes was a very good performance from our team, the way we want to play football.
“Pin the opponent back, good on the ball, a lot of movement and good press.
“We dominated them totally a didn’t them a chance to play out.”
“We also had a very good goalkeeper who saved us in one-on-ones and such.
And after Liverpool failed to beat Aston Villa to leave the Reds on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League next season, he added:
“It’s only up to us, we have everything in our own hands.
“We have to make our performance, it’s nothing to do with other teams.”
United were once again without Marcus Rashford after injury and illness – they named an unchanged starting lineup for the game at the Vitality Stadium.
But they didn’t need him after all as their defensive solidity and some good goalkeeping by David De Gea ensured victory following Casemiro’s goal.
United now only need a point from their remaining two Premier League games against Chelsea and Fulham – both at home – after Liverpool slipped up against Aston Villa today.
Casemiro sent United on their way after just eight minutes after Christian Eriksen’s ball into the box was intercepted by Marcos Senesi but looped into the air.
United’s Brazilian enforcer reacted first and turned the flighted ball past Neto with an improvised overhead kick – his sixth goal for United.
De Gea claimed the Golden Glove outright for his efforts this season – 17 clean sheets so far – and after early saves from Dominic Solanke, David Brooks, and Keiffer Moore – and no other keeper can catch him.
United were comfortable in the end – Neto saved again from Casemiro while Senesi drilled a shot over the bar as United won comfortably.