Man United seemed to be asleep. The Red Devils were shocked by Dominic Solanke’s quick goal and had to resign themselves to a 0-3 defeat.
The match in Week 16 of the 2023-2024 Premier League between Man United vs Bournemouth at Old Trafford Stadium, Saturday (9/12/2023) was filled with rain and three goals.
Three goals were scored at Old Trafford, all produced by the visiting team. Bournemouth beat Man United 3-0 thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke (5′), Philip Billing (68′), and Marcos Senesi (73′). Throughout the match, Manchester United had difficulty creating a real threat to Bournemouth’s goal.
Man United started the match not with a convincing move. The match was less than a minute old, and the hearts of the Old Trafford public were already racing when Luke Shaw’s pass to Andre Onana almost resulted in a fatal foul.
Man United’s life seemed to have yet to come together when the match entered the fifth minute.
Man United failed to anticipate Bournemouth’s counterattack scheme. As a result, Lewis Cook’s cross led to a beautiful goal via Dominic Solanke’s flick.
Solanke continued his hot form. He has scored 8 goals in 16 Premier League matches 2023-2024. “The home fans were completely shocked. Their team fell asleep, allowing Solanke to make a beautiful finish,” wrote Sky Sports.
Until towards the end of the first half, Man United had not really woken up. The Red Devils are still having difficulty creating concrete chances. In fact, in the 40th minute Solanke almost doubled Bournemouth’s lead if his low shot didn’t hit Man United’s left goal post.
The Red Devils appeared with greater intensity in the second half, forcing Bournemouth to be busy defending. However, until the hour passed, Man United was still having difficulty endangering Bournemouth’s goal. Scott McTominay’s header in the 60th minute was comfortably caught by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
Diogo Dalot’s kick seven minutes later also only shook the side of the Bournemouth goal net.
Man United actually received a blow in the 68th minute, Bournemouth were able to double their lead via Philip Billing’s header. The goal came from Luke Shaw’s pass which was broken up by the Bournemouth defender.
Bournemouth’s quick transition ended with Marcus Tavernier’s cross which Billing headed perfectly.
Bournemouth aren’t done yet. In the 73rd minute they hit Man United again via Marcos Senesi’s header, taking advantage of Tavernier’s corner kick.
Man United still couldn’t provide an answer to Bournemouth’s series of blows. The Red Devils lost 0-3 after Bournemouth substitute Dango Ouattara’s goal in injury time was disallowed for a hand ball.
