BREAKING: #Rashford Scores As Manchester United Extends Winning Run Against #Bournemouth – #MUNBOU—-Manchester United extended their Premier League winning run as they overcame Bournemouth 3-0 at Old Trafford.
A 23rd-minute volley from Casemiro and a brilliant Luke Shaw-inspired second was enough to see out the victory for Erik ten Hag’s side, who controlled proceedings, but weren’t entirely comfortable as the visitors came out with a more adventurous mentality than many initially thought.
The Red Devils had the better of the possession throughout the early exchanges, and they finally found their breakthrough as Christian Eriksen’s inswinging free kick found Casemiro unmarked at the near post, with the Brazilian converting superbly to steer United in front.
Bournemouth refused to lie down from the blow, getting up from the canvas and seeking to hit the hosts in transition with direct balls behind centre-back and full-back for Messrs Jaidon Anthony, Phillip Billing, and Ryan Christie to chase in the channels.
But with the second half only four minutes old, it was left-back Shaw – back in his natural position – who doubled the home side’s tally with a brilliantly-taken finish.
Darting forwards in typical fashion from his full-back berth, the England international showed great awareness to find Fernandes inhabiting his favourite central pocket, with the Portuguese spreading it wider for substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
The teenage Argentine’s first-time cut-back found the onrushing Shaw, who swept home with his swinger to send his supporters into a sea of celebration.
Anthony Martial could have extended the home side’s lead even further as he glanced over a delicious Casemiro cross on 55 minutes, escaping the attentions of Chris Mepham and Marcos Senesi.
Phillip Billing and Jaidon Anthony both went close for the Cherries as they refused to go away, both forcing David de Gea into quick-fire yet routine saves to preserve United’s two-goal buffer.
Gary O’Neil’s away side continued to be plucky opponents for Ten Hag’s men, but United showed a renewed sense of professionalism and composure as they settled into a rhythm to begin seeing the game out.
The Dutch manager was able to begin rotating his squad with 20 minutes to play, giving minutes to the returning Diogo Dalot most notably, with the Portuguese right-back back to full fitness at a crucial time for United.
Garnacho clipped the outside of the far post with a curling effort with 12 to play as United pressed for a third.
That third came with four to play, as a delightful Shaw cross-field pass found Bruno Fernandes, and the Portuguese playmaker’s cushioned pass was perfectly into the path of Rashford, who slotted home for a deserved third.
It’s a job well done at the Theatre for Manchester United, with their Dutch director ensuring all those on the Premier League’s biggest stage provided a polished performance.
