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Manchester United laboured to a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday (May 20), with Casemiro scoring the only goal of the game.
With Marcus Rashford missing the clash through illness, the Red Devils seemed to have their task cut out at the Vitality Stadium but needed only nine minutes to break the deadlock.
Casemiro latched onto Christian Eriksen's cross acrobatically to make it 1-0 for United, who huffed and puffed for another goal for the remainder of the game but lacked the firepower to do so.
Dominik Solanke came close to scoring for the Cherries in the 27th minute, but David de Gea was on hand to make a fine stop before David Brooks forced the Spaniard into another save early into the restart.
Gary O'Neil's side threw the kitchen sink at their visitors in search of an equaliser but failed in their endeavour as they succumbed to their 20th league loss of the season.
Manchester United, meanwhile, need just one more point to secure fourth place and confirm their place in next season's UEFA Champions League. On that note, here are the five talking points from the game:
#5 Manchester United missed Marcus Rashford
With 16 goals in the league this season, Marcus Rashford has contributed a third of Manchester United's total strikes. His absence was a huge blow for the Red Devils, who have struggled to score on the road, but other attackers failed to step up as well.
Anthony Martial, Antony and Jadon Sancho failed to muster a shot on target, while Wout Weghorst, who came off the bench in the second half, saw a shot punched away by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto.
Bruno Fernandes had four key passes in the game but only really tested Bournemouth once with a powerful shot that was kept out by Neto.
#4 David Brooks shines on first start for Bournemouth
In October 2021, David Brooks was diagnosed with cancer that subsequently curtailed his season. Seven months later, following treatments, he was declared free from it.
However, injury reared its ugly head on the player at the start of the 2022-23 season, and it wasn't till March this year that he returned to action for the Cherries.
On Saturday, he marked his fifth appearance in the Premier League and his first start, and the Welshman had a good game. He forced De Gea into a good save in the second half and made one key pass as well as two clearances.
With a solid pre-season game time in the summer, Brooks could play a greater role for the team next season, provided he maintains his fitness.
#3 Casemiro, Manchester United's unlikely hero
Manchester United's attackers might have struggled, but Casemiro stepped up to the plate and became their unlikely hero of the evening with a lovely goal.
Christian Eriksen lofted the ball over the top of the Bournemouth defence, which their defenders failed to clear. Casemiro then produced an acrobatic effort to put United in front after only nine minutes.
The Brazilian has had his fare share of struggles since arriving from Real Madrid last summer, but moments like these are a reminder of his importance to the squad. Moreover, this was his sixth goal-contribution in the league this season (three goals and assists apiece) - not bad for a defensive midfielder.
#2 Bournemouth's home woes continue
Bournemouth returned to the Premier League for the first time since the 2019-20 season following a dominant run in the Championship last year that saw them finish second.
Their campaign was built on strong performances at home as the Cherries lost only three of their 23 games at the Vitality Stadium and won 13 times. In the Premier League, though, it has been quite the opposite.
In 19 home games this season, Bournemouth have won only six times and lost nine games, including this one.
The Dorset will survive in the top flight despite a below-average record at home but must improve next season to stay afloat.
#1 Manchester United on cusp of Champions League return
Manchester United are on the verge of returning to the Champions League next season. They need just a point in their last two remaining Premier League games to do so.
Manager Erik ten Hag has achieved the bare minimum that was expected of him in his first season in the English top flight. It all started on a wrong note, with the Red Devils losing their opening two games, but they have since done enough to move into the top four.
