Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all scored as Manchester United beat Bournemouth 5-2 at Old Trafford.
Manchester United dominated the early exchanges but fell behind after just 15 minutes, as Junior Stanislas scored from point-blank range. Thereafter, the hosts were in total control and established a two-goal lead heading into half-time, as Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial found the back of the net.
Less than 4 minutes after the interval, Bournemouth hit back, as Joshua King scored from the spot. But, Manchester United were 4-2 up a few minutes later, as Greenwood scored his second of the game. The match was then put to bed when Bruno Fernandes scored from a free-kick at the hour mark.
Manchester United subsequently had plenty of chances to enhance their lead, only for Aaron Ramsdale to spare Bournemouth’s blushes. The result, though, temporarily lifted United up to 4th on the Premier League table and The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
David de Gea: 5/10
Another in the long list of forgettable outings for de Gea in recent years. The Spaniard had his fair share of positive moments, including a fine save in the second half. However, de Gea was beaten at his near post for the umpteenth time in his Manchester United career and he really should have done better for the first goal.
Not to be blamed for the second after guessing the right way to stop former Manchester United forward Joshua King’s penalty. But, de Gea was beaten a second time at his near post, only for the woodwork to come to his aid. Needs to iron out those basic errors.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10
As is typically the case with him, Wan-Bissaka was industrious in his defensive work, winning 7 of the 9 duels he contested, while making 4 interceptions and completing 6 tackles. His recent progress in the offensive phase continued, as the Englishman delivered a couple of dangerous crosses, including one for Marcus Rashford which was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
For once, Lindelof was the better of the centre-backs that Manchester United had on the pitch. With Harry Maguire faltering, Lindelof held his own and kept a check on Joshua King expertly. The Swede made a couple of clearances and blocked 1 shot while winning 3 aerial duels. Misplaced just 3 passes before being taken off at half-time due to a back injury.
Harry Maguire: 5/10
A reliable figure for Manchester United at the heart of defence in recent games, this was a rather uncharacteristic display by Maguire. Beaten quite easily by Junior Stanislas in the build-up to the first Bournemouth goal, Maguire had another nervy moment later on in the game. Otherwise he had some solid moments, although the United captain should have been more reliable on the ball.
Luke Shaw: 7/10
Continuing his solid run of form since the resumption of the Premier League, Shaw was largely solid and rendered David Brooks to be anonymous. The full-back won each of his 4 duels on top of that and even created a chance in the final third. His crosses still need some work, but this was a step in the right direction.
Paul Pogba: 8/10
Man Utd have averaged a goal every 24 minutes when Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have been on the pitch together.
A phenomenal pairing. ? pic.twitter.com/XFeM6U9O8a
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 4, 2020
Another start, another accomplished performance by Pogba. Starting in his new deeper role once again, Pogba continued to build a strong understanding with Bruno Fernandes. Pogba was simply sensational against Bournemouth, making 3 key passes, including a delicious lofted ball in the second half.
One of those who were thwarted by the inspired Aaron Ramsdale, who kept out his curling free-kick late in the game. Even so, a tremendous all round performance saw Pogba make 10 recoveries and 2 interceptions while completing a couple of take-ons and having an impressive 88 percent passing rate. Exceptional when he plays like this.
Nemanja Matic: 8/10
Manchester United’s resident holding midfielder played an important role for his side yet again on Saturday. Matic was solid in his work off the ball, winning 5 duels and completing 4 tackles. The Serb also played in 1 key pass and was extremely precise on the ball, only misplacing 6 of the 76 passes he attempted. So crucial for United.
Mason Greenwood: 9/10
Mason Greenwood is the first teenager to score 15 goals in a single season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney (17) in 2004/05.
A special, special talent. pic.twitter.com/oDSp401Ydn
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 4, 2020
The burgeoning reputation of Mason Greenwood continued to grow against Bournemouth, with two well taken goals. Greenwood’s game, though, was much more than that. Greenwood put in the hard yards off the ball as well, making 3 recoveries.
His goals, however, were simply marvellous, as the teenage prodigy showed that he can score with thumping efforts with both feet. Now up to 8 league goals for the season, no player aged 21 or lower has scored more often in the top-flight than him. To think he has made only 7 starts in the Premier League. A top talent.
Bruno Fernandes: 9/10
The Bruno Fernandes effect continued to inspire Manchester United to newer heights. Both his assists were just for namesake, with each of those strikes being down to Greenwood and Anthony Martial respectively than the Portuguese playmaker. However, he was still at his creative best, playing in 5 key passes.
Manchester United have won more points (21) and scored more goals (20) than any other team in the Premier League since Bruno Fernandes made his debut in the competition.
Fernandes has been directly involved in 55% of those goals. ?? pic.twitter.com/bo50VyGqjq
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 4, 2020
Fernandes then rounded off the win with a sumptuous free-kick, which curled into the top left corner. Had a couple of other chances to score as well, only to be denied by Ramsdale. All in all, though, this was another top class performance by Bruno Fernandes, who now has 6 goals and 5 assists in just 9 Premier League outings. What a difference he has made.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Rashford has finally done it. The English forward has found the back of the net for the first time since making his comeback from injury. Sure, this one was from the spot, but over the course of the game, it became clear that his sharpness is increasing.
Rashford even scored from a Wan-Bissaka cross, only to be pulled back for an offside by the slimmest of margins. Created one fine chance for Bruno Fernandes, in addition to creating another chance. Slowly but surely getting there. The goals might soon start flowing.
Anthony Martial: 8/10
For large parts of the game, Martial was on the periphery, even as Manchester United dominated the proceedings. However, when he finally got himself into the game, he made a statement with a delectable curling effort from outside the box. Won 3 duels as well, working hard off the ball. Now up to 8 Premier League goals in 2020 – the most by any player in the division.
SUBSTITUTES
Eric Bailly: 5/10
On for the injured Lindelof, Bailly ran into trouble early on, first losing the ball in a dangerous position before conceding a penalty, which was converted by King. To be fair to him, it was a rather contentious call that probably should not have stood. After his gaffe, Bailly grew into the game and was largely untroubled thereafter, although his passing can do with some major improvements.
Fred: 7/10
As Matic began to grow leggy, Fred’s introduction came at the perfect time. The Brazilian was a bundle of energy, throwing the Bournemouth midfielders off their game with his disruptive style. Fred even had a sight at goal, but his dangerous effort was parried away by Ramsdale. The effort to recover the ball prior to the shot was mighty impressive.
Daniel James: N/A
Given the final 15 minutes on the pitch, James carried a threat with his bursts down the left flank. A decent option to have on the bench.
Juan Mata: N/A
On for the final 10 minutes, Mata helped see the game out without much of a fuss.
Odion Ighalo: N/A
Ighalo had one fine chance for his first Premier League goal for Manchester Untied, only to miss narrowly.
