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Manchester United failed to build on their recent success as they lost to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. After their inspiring victory against Chelsea in the EFL Cup during the midweek, the Red Devils were expected to continue their winning run against Eddie Howe's side- who had failed to score in their last three Premier League matches prior to the game against Manchester United. However, it was Bournemouth who came away with all three points at the end of it, courtesy a goal by former Red Devil Joshua King.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men started the game with great intensity and created some half-decent chances to score in the first 10 minutes of the game. However, they failed to sustain the pressure which let the Cherries back into the game. Joshua King's goal at the stroke of half-time gave Bournemouth the lead. Despite their efforts in the second half, the Red Devils couldn't manage an equaliser. Manchester United's loss against Bournemouth means that they have now lost more games than they have won in the Premier League this season. Here are three things we learned from the game:
#3 The Red Devils fail to build on their lively start to the game
Manchester United started the game incredibly well, creating a handful of half-chances to score. Daniel James, who has enjoyed an incredible start to his life as a Manchester United player, got behind the opposition defence on more than one occasion. It seemed like it was a matter of moments before Manchester United find the back of the net.
However, the Red Devils failed to keep the intensity and cooled off a bit. This enable Bournemouth to get back into the game and enjoy more of the ball than they did in the first 10 minutes of the game. Had the Red Devils managed to play with the same energy and purpose, it could have been a different result for Solskjaer’s men.
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#2 Red Devils' recent travels taking a toll on their performance
Manchester United's clash against Bournemouth was their 4th away game in the last 10 days. During this period, they had to travel to Belgrade, Norwich, London and then Bournemouth. Moreover, due to a lack of squad depth, they had to resort to playing the same players in every game.
This continuous travelling and a lack of rest took a toll on the performances of some players against Bournemouth. Scott McTominay, who has been brilliant for Manchester United since the start of this season, was far from his usual best and looked out of sorts against the Cherries. Moreover, both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire also seemed to struggle in the game against Bournemouth. All these players have been involved in every game since the international break and look to be in a desperate need of a break.
#1 United just can’t play through a low-block
Manchester United have done extremely well against top opposition and struggled against those who are at the bottom of the league this season. The reason for that has been their inability to break opposition down who sit in a low-block. After scoring, Bournemouth did the same and sat in a low-block, making it hard for Manchester United to get through.
The Red Devils have been lacking a player who possesses the ability to find a defence-splitting pass, and the absence of Paul Pogba, who is by-far their most creative player isn’t helping either. Moreover, they also lack options off the bench who could provide something different on the pitch. Their inability to play through a low-block has made Manchester United way too predictable to play against and Solskjaer needs to come up with a solution soon.
