Manchester United vs Bournemouth score, result: Red Devils solidify top four standing in Premier League table

Kyle Bonn

•
Manchester United vs Bournemouth score, result: Red Devils solidify top four standing in Premier League table image

Resounding 90-minute performances are becoming a regular occurrence for Manchester United of late, as Erik ten Hag has this Red Devils side turning into high gear.

Casemiro put the hosts in front at Old Trafford by halftime, and a pair of strikes from Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford saw out a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday. The win widened the gap for fourth-placed Man United above fifth-placed Tottenham to five points, solidifying United's position as a serious top-four contender.

Left-back Shaw was the best player in the match, scoring his goal and creating multiple other chances for teammates throughout the 90 minutes. Casemiro was also sensational, providing cover for the defensive unit on multiple occasions and picking out his all-important opener.

The only dark cloud for United was an injury to Donny van de Beek just before halftime. Still, his replacement Alejandro Garnacho was spectacular after coming on, and could be in line for even more minutes down the road.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, were well beaten, continuing to show frailties both in transition and defending set-pieces. They remain in 15th position, still just two points above the drop zone, with everyone behind them holding a game in hand.

MORE: Updated Premier League table

Manchester United vs Bournemouth final score

  1H 2H Final
Man United 1 2 3
Bournemouth 0 0 0

Goals:
23rd min — MUN — Casemiro
49th min — MUN — Luke Shaw
86th min — MUN — Marcus Rashford

Lineups:

Man United (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. De Gea (GK) — 29. Wan-Bissaka (Dalot, 68'), 5. Maguire, 2. Lindelof (L. Martinez, 88'), 23. Shaw — 18. Casemiro, 14. Eriksen (Fred, 68') — 8. Fernandes, 34. Van de Beek (Garnacho, 45'), 10. Rashford — 9. Martial (Elanga, 69').

Bournemouth (4-4-2, right to left): 1. Travers (GK) — 15. Smith (Stacey, 63'), 6. Mepham, 25. Senesi, 5. Kelly  — 10. Christie, 4. Cook, 8. Lerma (Rothwell, 84'), 32. Anthony — 9. Solanke, 29. Billing.

Manchester United playing Erik ten Hag football

The mark of a truly in-form team is the ability of players to come in and out of the lineup without the overall performance dipping. That was the case for Manchester United against Bournemouth, as Ten Hag made a number of changes to the lineup at very little cost.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof came in at centre-back to spell World Cup participants Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, and while there were a few nervy moments as Bournemouth pressed forward, for the most part the Red Devils were clean at the back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka may soon give way to regular starter Diogo Dalot as the latter returns from injury, but he's been positive in his time as well.

Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial were poor individually against Bournemouth before both came off injured, but their struggles didn't cause the team's performance on the whole to drop. That's a great sign that this Manchester United run of form has legs under Ten Hag.

Luke Shaw back to his best

Not only did Manchester United score three spectacular goals, but they created many delicious chances today throughout the match that were pleasing to the eye.

At the heart of many of the best moments was left-back Luke Shaw, who is turning on the jets for club and country. It wasn't long ago that the 27-year-old couldn't stay healthy and failed to impress in his short time on the field, often an easy target for fans and media who wanted a scapegoat for United's larger issues.

Now, Shaw is a critical component of an in-form United side, and it showed with a Man of the Match performance. His goal came from a wonderful move that Shaw both started and finished, and his ball to Bruno Fernandes on Marcus Rashford's goal was an absolute peach. Overall, Shaw logged 83/95 passing with two chances created, one successful dribble, three clearances, 12 recoveries, and 3/6 successful ground duels. An exceptional 90 minutes for the England international.

There are worse Premier League sides than Bournemouth

While Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil has a three-match losing streak to contend with, this game was largely about Manchester United's greatness rather than Bournemouth's shortcomings. Sometimes, you just tip your cap to the opponent and move on.

Bournemouth were unlucky to come away from this match without a goal. There were opportunities to score, but the finishing left something to be desired, and United goalkeeper David de Gea produced some quality stops.

There is still much work to be done, especially on defending (and attacking) set pieces, but as Bournemouth come out of this dry spell and players get healthy, they should have the quality to remain afloat in the Premier League for next season.

MORE: Watch every Premier League match live with fuboTV in Canada

Man United vs Bournemouth live updates, highlights, commentary

Final: Man United 3-0 Bournemouth

It's a resounding victory for the Red Devils who continue to cement their place as top four contenders. Just about every United player put forth a positive performance, starting with Luke Shaw and Casemiro, two of the three goalscorers.

Shaw had a Man of the Match showing, grabbing his goal while putting a number of chances on a platter for teammates. Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were also important to the victory.

The only downside for United were injuries to Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial, both of whom were poor before coming off with physical ailments.

90+2 min: Chance, Bournemouth! Well, the Cherries are not about to accept their lot as the game winds down. Jaidon Anthony has been the brightest Bournemouth player all match, and he forces David de Gea into yet another solid save with a curling effort. He's been a lone bright spot for the Cherries in this otherwise rough showing.

86th min: GOAL! MAN UNITED! A third has been coming for a while now, and it's Marcus Rashford who continues his sensational form with the nail in Bournemouth's coffin. Bruno Fernandes makes a run and collects a stunning long ball from Luke Shaw. Fernandes could have taken it himself, but he touches it to Rashford who has an easy finish.

There's a huge cheer after the goal, as Lisandro Martinez comes on for Victor Lindelof to a loud ovation from the home fans at Old Trafford.

Watch in USA:

82nd min: Chance, Man United! The hosts are pouring it on late, forcing Cherries goalkeeper Mark Travers into a big save. First it's Marcus Rashford who whiffed on his scissor kick, and then Alejandro Garnacho fires from a tight angle on the left, which Travers has to scramble to stop as he gets up off the turf.

Garnacho has been fantastic since coming on for the injured Van de Beek just before halftime.

78th min: Chance, Man United! Alejandro Garnacho hits the post! Fred receives the ball at the top of the penalty area and thinks for a moment about shooting before feeding Garnacho wide left. The Argentine works one-on-one against Lewis Cook and finds space, shooting with his right. His effort pings the post and goes out. Close!

75th min: A crunching tackle by Jack Stacey sees the Bournemouth substitute go into the book. He leaves Alejandro Garnacho in a heap on the ground. It's a shocking tackle that Stacey is lucky to see only yellow for. No VAR review, so he gets away with it, and Garnacho luckily gets away with no physical effects. A truly abysmal two-footed tackle through the back of the United youngster at pace.

71st min: Man United are starting to sit back, absorb pressure, and hit on the counter. Marcus Rashford fires wide across the face of goal.

67th min: Things get a bit chippy in midfield, and the referee has to pull a few players aside. Manchester United are readying changes, as Christian Eriksen is replaced by Fred, Anthony Martial exits for Anthony Elanga, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka comes off in favor of Diogo Dalot.

Dalot is returning from a hamstring injury and could work his way back into the starting lineup later. The changes seemed pre-planned, coming all nearly on the 70-minute mark, but Martial's body language suggests he may have picked up an injury.

A really solid tackle from Chris Mepham stops a good Man United move at the feet of Bruno Fernandes. The rain is still coming down steadily.

61st min: The game has exploded to life on both ends, as the two teams try to hit the other at pace, creating an end-to-end affair. Both sides are prepping changes, hoping to stem the tide.

The cautioned Adam Smith comes off for Bournemouth at right-back, with Jack Stacey taking his place.

59th min: Chance, Bournemouth! ANOTHER STOP BY DE GEA! Jaidon Anthony is the man to have a go this time, as he gets free down the left side of the penalty area after an excellent back-heel by Jefferson Lerma. Anthony's effort is seeking the inside of the far post, but De Gea goes full stretch to parry it away with one hand.

57th min: Chance, Bournemouth! HUGE SAVE by David de Gea! What a reflex stop! In their first foray forward of the half, Bournemouth create a good opportunity as Philip Billing gets high above Harry Maguire and heads a cross home, but De Gea is there to punch it away. The Spaniard to the rescue!

55th min: Chance, Man United! The Red Devils are well and truly on top now, and are smelling blood. Casemiro sends in a sensational ball to the front of net, and Anthony Martial should do better with the headed attempt, but he puts it wide despite out-jumping his defender.

Martial now down on the ground receiving treatment, laying on his back and holding his head in his hands.

52nd min: A very confusing moment sees the referee stop play, much to United's frustration. Bournemouth has a free-kick outside their own penalty area, which they take quickly under no pressure, but it's hilariously blasted straight into the backside of Ryan Christie who was still on the ground. The referee stops play (for a reason that's not immediately apparent) rather than allow United to capitalize on the weird mistake.

49th min: GOAL! MAN UNITED! That's an utterly BRILLIANT goal as United double their lead. Luke Shaw both started it and ended it, a wonderfully crafted team goal. Bruno Fernandes also involved, as is substitute Alejandro Garnacho who gets the assist from wide right. Bournemouth picked apart, and the Red Devils are now comfortably in front.

Watch in USA:

46th min: Not even 30 seconds into the half and Bournemouth right-back Adam Smith goes into the book for tripping Alejandro Garnacho who was on the run. He picks up a yellow card suspension for Bournemouth's next match and hands Man United an early free-kick chance to start this half. Marcus Rashford sends it straight into the wall.

46th min: The teams are out of the tunnel and the match is back under way at Old Trafford. No changes for either team as the second half gets going.

Halftime: Man United 1-0 Bournemouth

Halftime: Bournemouth were clearly second best in that first half, with just two shots and none on target. They created only one really positive move forward through 45 minutes, and held just 37 percent possession. Gary O'Neil, did well to turn Bournemouth around before the World Cup break, but he still has quite the job ahead of him to keep the Cherries up.

Halftime:  Donny van de Beek, who needed a good showing to earn a regular time, had a poor half before being forced off due to injury. It's another tough blow to a player who has fallen into oblivion at Old Trafford.

Before coming off, Van de Beek completed just seven of his 14 pass attempts (50 percent) and created one chance worth 0.02 xA. His 19 touches were far below the 41 of Casemiro or Christian Eriksen's 54, and even well behind Marcus Rashford (31) and Bruno Fernandes (33).

Halftime: The first half was sleepy at times, but Manchester United deserve their one-goal lead. Casemiro, the best player on the pitch through the opening 45 minutes, was the man to pick out the final touch on Christian Eriksen's free-kick delivery and secure the halftime advantage.

45th min: Donny van de Beek's day is done. He heads down the tunnel after trying his best to return to the pitch. Manchester United will make a change, with Alejandro Garnacho coming on. The young replacement will likely take the right wing position, with Bruno Fernandes moving centrally into Van de Beek's No. 10 role.

It's a shame for the Dutchman, who needs minutes to establish a spot in the squad. You could see he was emotional about having to come off. The crowd gave him a good hand. We will play two minutes of added time.

42nd min: Donny van de Beek is down injured, requiring treatment after a harsh tackle from Marcos Senesi. The referee holds back on showing the Argentine a yellow card, as it appeared he slipped on the very wet pitch. Van de Beek limps off, testing out his painful right leg, but he appears to be in a great deal of discomfort. He's trying to walk it off, but has so far been unsuccessful.

41st min: Bournemouth now with another corner as they look to move forward, but it comes to nothing. Lots of defending for both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to do over the past few minutes. Casemiro continues to provide cover for the defensive line. He's been fabulous in this match, outside of his goal.

36th min: The first yellow card of the match is shown to Philip Billing, who yanks back Casemiro right at the top of the penalty area. Here's a very dangerous free-kick chance for United just a few feet outside the 18-yard box.

Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen will all have a think about this...it's the Danish midfielder who picks it out, and it's a vicious effort, but it just takes a slight deflection off the head of Bournemouth Marcos Senesi and goes out for a corner.

33rd min: After a few minutes with Bournemouth pushing forward, United have gone right back on top. A furious spell of possession results in a few chances in front of net, but the Bournemouth defense holds firm. Christian Eriksen delivers a wonderful ball to the far post but it's defended well, and then Bruno Fernandes nearly picks out Marcus Rashford from the opposite flank. United fans buzzing again.

28th min: Chance, Bournemouth! Save, David de Gea! Bournemouth spring a turnover in the attacking half, and wonderful one-touch passing gets the ball through to Jaidon Anthony. His sliding finish produces an exceptional save from the Spanish goalkeeper, but the flag goes up for offside, meaning it's all for naught. Replay confirms it was the right call.

Worrying signs for United who seem to be losing their grip on the match a bit.

27th min: Chance, Bournemouth! The Cherries have their first look on goal of the match, also coming from a set-piece deep, but Dominic Solanke heads it over. A similar opportunity to the earlier one that Anthony Martial sent over for United.

23rd min: GOAL! MAN UNITED! On the ensuing free-kick delivery by Christian Eriksen, Casemiro gets on the end of a fantastic ball in, and the Red Devils open the scoring. The Brazilian meets it in flight with his right foot and pokes it goalward.

It's another frustrating defensive showing from Bournemouth on set pieces, conceding their 11th set-piece goal of the season, most in the Premier League.

Watch in USA:

22nd min: The Old Trafford fans have come to life here as Marcus Rashford gets held up by Adam Smith down the left attacking flank. The official, Michael Salisbury, blows his whistle giving United a free-kick chance. The crowd is slowly growing into the game after a sleepy start.

19th min: Donny van de Beek flubs a chance brought about on a wonderful delivery from Casemiro. It's another vertical ball sent to the Dutchman making a run, but Van de Beek can't get it down on his chest and the chance evaporates. He's having another poor match so far.

17th min: Bournemouth have a free-kick chance from a horizontal position on the left, but Jaidon Anthony's delivery was horrendous, looping it over everyone in the penalty area and over the end line on the far side. Looks like he was aiming for the far post but missed very badly.

Rain coming down harder now, wonder if that had an effect on the set-piece delivery.

11th min: Chance, Man United! The Red Devils are the first side to have an eye for goal, as Luke Shaw's vertical delivery into the penalty area finds the head of Anthony Martial, but it seems to have surprised the United striker, and he lashes the header over the crossbar.

10th min: This game has started very slow and sleepy on both ends. Bournemouth are now the ones to knock it around but provide little threat on goal. Neither side showing any real attacking impetus. The commentators describe the match as "lukewarm" to start.

4th min: Ouch. Donny van de Beek comes flying through the back of Jefferson Lerma, a painful looking tackle. Surprising that's not seen the Dutchman go into the referee's book, even this early.

Rain starts to fall at Old Trafford, as the conditions will now play a role in the game.

2nd min: United controlling much of the early possession, but doing little with it. Bournemouth are sitting back and hoping to cause turnovers in their own half to spring a counter-attack.

Kickoff: The match at Old Trafford is underway! United with a chance to go five points clear of fifth-placed Spurs, while Bournemouth can grab a big result in the relegation battle.

Man United vs. Bournemouth: Pre-Match

6 mins to kick: Today is big for Manchester United as they look to solidify their top four spot, but the individual with the most to gain today is Donny van de Beek. It feels as if the United outcast is running out of chances at the club, and another poor performance could seal his fate.

10 mins to kick: He's not in the starting lineup, but Argentina international Lisandro Martinez was given a hero's welcome as he returned to Old Trafford as a World Cup champion.

23 mins to kick: Bournemouth are set to wear their...ahem...loud third kit today, a purple shirt with fern leaves across it. Let's just say, it's not really for me.

37 mins to kick: Erik ten Hag has addressed his lineup selections before kickoff. He stated that Antony is injured, requiring the introduction of Donny van de Beek as a No. 10 and pushing Bruno Fernandes out wide. He did not expand on the type or severity of the injury.

Ten Hag also confirmed that Raphael Varane is having a rest, while he did not discuss the decision to leave Lisandro Martinez on the bench in his return from the World Cup.

50 mins to kick: It's a 100th appearance for Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly, who reaches the milestone at 24 years old. 

Kelly is a former England youth international who has struggled for time this season thanks to a long-term ankle injury that he's only just recently recovered from. He arrived with the Cherries in 2019 from his hometown club Bristol City in a £13 million deal.

60 mins to kick: Lineups for both teams are in, and Erik ten Hag has rotated his side heavily, showing Bournemouth little respect. As mentioned earlier, Harry Maguire does indeed get the start, but surprisingly, it's Victor Lindelof who is his centre-back partner. That means Raphael Varane drops to the bench for rest, while Lisandro Martinez fails to earn the start after returning from World Cup action.

Donny van de Beek also sees his name on the lineup sheet, just his second of the season after he was deployed in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in early November.

78 mins to kick: There is some noise that Harry Maguire could get the start at centre-back tonight for Manchester United, with Lisandro Martinez also poised to return from his World Cup duties. That would leave Raphael Varane on the outside looking in. It wouldn't be a shock, as Erik ten Hag and other Premier League managers look to rotate their players and avoid overuse knowing the World Cup took a toll on many of those that went deep in the competition, such as Varane with France.

100 mins to kick: Marcus Rashford has regained his form this season after struggling mightily last campaign. His return as a top player is a critical reason for Manchester United's recent rise up the table in recent weeks, scoring three goals in the club's last five Premier League matches.

That could re-ignite interest from abroad, including from PSG who have been linked to Rashford in the past. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is notoriously loose-lipped with his player acquisitions, stated in December to Sky Sports that he would be interested in signing Rashford this coming summer.

Rashford is out of contract with Manchester United, and his play this season will give the Red Devils reason to rethink their strategy of letting his deal run out. Italian publication Calciomercato claimed just yesterday that PSG will offer Rashford a contract worth €10 million per year, hoping to convince him to move abroad, although that reportedly falls short of what he earns right now at Manchester United.

120 mins to kick: Anthony Martial is expected to start up front for Manchester United at the striker position today against Bournemouth. While the Red Devils have managed to create goalscoring chances in the current setup, that spot represents a clear need for the club this January.

There are a host of options, with United reportedly interested in their former man Memphis Depay, who is struggling for time at Barcelona. A reunion could be a cut-price option that brings a clear upgrade up front.

Read more about all of Manchester United's rumoured transfer business here.

Man United vs. Bournemouth lineups & team news

In-form England international Marcus Rashford is returns to the starting lineup after starting last match on the bench, but coming on to provide an injection of positivity and turning the tide in Man United's favor.

Otherwise, there are few expected changes. Luke Shaw was forced to deputise at center-back against Wolves over the weekend, but moves back to his natural left-back position. Erik ten Hag has rotated Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof into the lineup, with World Cup participants Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both available off the bench. Tyrell Malacia drops amongst the substitutes despite a positive showing against Wolves.

Diogo Dalot is nursing a hamstring injury, forcing out of favor Aaron Wan-Bissaka into the side, while Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho are also suffering from short-term issues that leave them out of starting contention.

Man United starting lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Varane, L. Martinez, Shaw — Casemiro, Eriksen — Antony, Fernandes, Rashford — Martial.

Man United subs (9): Heaton (GK), Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Dalot, McTominay, Fred, Elanga, Garnacho.

MORE: Man Utd strikers since Robin van Persie: Where does Cristiano Ronaldo rank in list of centre-forward signings?

Bournemouth coach Gary O'Neil doesn't have many options in his squad, but has still found ways to make changes given the struggles to restart play following the World Cup break. Most notably, the Cherries have moved to a 4-4-2 formation, as the 3-5-2 has proven unsuccessful lately.

The strike partnership of Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore continues to misfire, as Solanke has not scored since November 5, while his Welsh teammate has also drawn a blank in three straight despite impressing in Qatar. That sees Ryan Christie come in up front, replacing Moore.

Ryan Fredericks is out with a knock, while Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks are close to returning from thigh injuries but not quite ready yet. Goalkeeper Neto is nearing a return from his long-term injury, but will need to regain his fitness after being out since late October.

Bournemouth starting lineup (3-5-2): Travers (GK) — Mepham, Senesi, Kelly — Smith, Cook, Lerma, Dembele, Zemura — Solanke, Christie.

Bournemouth subs (9): Plain (GK), Zemura, Stephens, Stacey, Rothwell, Pearson, Dembele, Moore, Lowe.

How to watch Man United vs. Bournemouth

  Date Time TV Channel Streaming
UK Tue, Jan. 3 20:00 GMT  —  —
USA Tue, Jan. 3 15:00 ET  — Peacock TV
Australia Wed, Jan. 4 07:00 AEDT  — Optus Sport
Canada Tue, Jan. 3 15:00 ET  — fuboTV Canada
Hong Kong Wed, Jan. 4 04:00 HKT  — Now E
India Wed, Jan. 4 01:30 IST  — Hotstar VIP, JioTV
Malaysia Wed, Jan. 4 04:00 MYT Astro Supersport Astro Go, sooka
New Zealand Wed, Jan. 4 09:00 NZDT Sky Sport 2 SKY Go
Singapore Wed, Jan. 4 04:00 SGT  — StarHub TV+

UK: This match is not being shown on live TV in the UK.

USA: Select matches are televised on USA Network (English) and Telemundo or Universo (Spanish), and all three channels can be streamed on fuboTV. The rest of the matches are streamed on NBC platform Peacock for subscribers. This match is only available to stream on Peacock.

Australia: Fans in Australia can stream matches live and on demand on Optus Sport.

Canada: Every Premier League game streams live and on demand exclusively via fuboTV.

Man United vs Bournemouth betting odds & lines

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), and SkyBet (UK).

With both teams trending in opposite directions, it's no surprise that Manchester United are massive favorites in this match. They are 1/5 favorites coming into the game, while Bournemouth are huge 10/1 underdogs.

The Cherries are also not expected to find the back of the net, as they are yet to score since returning to play following the World Cup break. United have also been stellar defensively, yet to concede in three matches since returning to action, including two in Premier League play.

  BetMGM Sports
Interaction		 SkyBet
Man United win -400 1.20 1/5
Draw +500 6.45 11/2
Bournemouth win +1050 11.00 12/1
Both teams
to score Y / N		 +100 / -140 1.97 / 1.66 10/11, 4/5
Over / Under
2.5 goals		 -200 / +140 1.51 / 2.50 4/9, 13/8
Man United -1.5 -145 1.65 —
Bournemouth +1.5 +105 2.19 —

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.