A last-gasp strike from Marcus Rashford fired Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth in the matchweek 11 of the Premier League.
Manchester United came back from being a goal down to seal a dramatic 2-1 win against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Callum Wilson had put the hosts into the lead after just 11 minutes with a cool finish from Junior Stanislas’ cross, with the Manchester United defence falling asleep. The Cherries were by far the most dominant side in the opening exchanges, until, against the run of play, Anthony Martial struck in the 35th minute to bring Jose Mourinho’s side back on level terms.
Manchester United came out with more purpose after the break and came close to scoring on a few occasions, but some poor finishing and some quality defending from Nathan Ake meant the parity remained. And it when it seemed like both the teams would share the spoils, substitute Marcus Rashford stepped up to fire home from close range in stoppage time to bag three points for United.
The performance from Mourinho’s side was far from convincing, but the win will have given them a confidence boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting against Juventus. The win meant that the Red Devils moved up to the seventh spot in the Premier League standings, six points off of leaders Manchester City.
Scenes! ? #MUFC #BOUMUN pic.twitter.com/jVdk5PRYSl
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 3, 2018
Here’s how the Manchester United stars fared on the day at the Vitality stadium;
David De Gea: 6/10
The Spaniard had no chance to stop Wilson’s effort after being let down poorly by his defence once again. Made a few decent straight-forward stops on either side of half time. Misjudged a cross from Adam Smith that edged just wide of the far post. Reliable apart from that one particular moment.
Ashley Young: 6/10
The Manchester United captain was given a lot of trouble by the lively Ryan Fraser early in the game, but that did not stop him from driving forward at every given opportunity.
Played a crucial role in the buildup to Martial’s equalizer and struck the bar with a free-kick after the break. Booked and was shaky at the back on occasions, but showed great energy to join up in attacks.
Chris Smalling: 4/10
A nervous looking display from Manchester United’s senior centre-back. Made a good tackle on Fraser early on, but looked all at bay against against the dangerous Wilson, who dragged the defender around with ease. Looked like he had a mistake in him each time he was called into action.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
Slightly better in comparison to his defensive partner, but nevertheless a shaky performance from the Swedish international. There were a few good looking passes out from the back, but did not look all that convincing when put under pressure. Did not make many errors, but did not inspire much confidence either.
Luke Shaw: 5.5/10
Looked way off pace early in the game as Bournemouth dominated the proceedings. Was caught ball watching, allowing Junior Stanislas to tee up Wilson for the goal. Improved after the break though and offered an outlet. Missed a great chance when one on one with Asmir Begovic and was booked for a handball. Has seen better days this season.
Fred: 3/10
Having shown signs of encouragement in the victory against Everton last time out, the Brazilian put in, without a doubt, his worst display in Manchester United colours since joining the club in the summer. Tried to push his team forward but was swept away by the Cherries’ dominance. Lost the ball cheaply, gave away unnecessary fouls. Rightly withdrawn early in the second period.
Nemanja Matic: 4.5/10
Another timid display from the Serbian midfielder who seems to have regressed after his debut campaign with the Red Devils. Did not offer enough protection to his defence and was easily bypassed by the Bournemouth midfielders, especially in the first period. Showed signs of improvement post the break, but his distribution was passive and lacked purpose.
Paul Pogba: 7/10
The World Cup winner wasn’t off to the best of the starts, much like the rest of the team. Pogba wasn’t always secure on the ball, but put in a real effort, tracking back well and pressing the opposition.
Grew into the game with time and was key to United’s comeback in the second half. Produced a moment of magic to beat Simon Francis and send in a beautiful cross leading to Rashford’s winner.
Juan Mata: 5/10
Another who was caught ball watching in the lead up to Bournemouth’s goal, allowing Stanislas the time and space to pick Wilson out. Got into promising positions in a couple of occasions, but couldn’t impact the proceedings as he saw very little of the ball. Dragged an effort wide. Ineffective and rightly subbed off before the hour-mark.
Alexis Sanchez: 6.5/10
Back into the starting XI, in place of the injured Romelu Lukaku, it wasn’t the most convincing display from the Chilean attacker, but showed plenty of heart and effort throughout. Chased everything down with gusto, looked to press the opposition high up the pitch and got the assist for Martial’s goal, after a neat one-two with Young.
There were a number of positives from the former Arsenal man, but a lot of forgettable moments as well. A mixed outing for Sanchez.
Anthony Martial: 7/10
The Frenchman once again dragged United back into the game with a composed finish to reinstate parity in the first period, scoring his fifth goal in four games. Looked the most likely to make things happen in the final third for Mourinho’s side, when the rest of the team was struggling.
Martial has come into his own in recent weeks and Manchester United should act quickly to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford: 6/10
Replaced Mata in the 56th minute. Added pace in the final third, but missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead, firing his effort straight at Ake with the goal gaping. Made amends by prodding home the winning goal in stoppage time, although it seemed for a moment that he had spurned the chance once again.
Ander Herrera: 7/10
Introduced in place of the struggling Fred eleven minutes after the break and made a difference. Provided United better control in the middle of the park and was more purposeful with his use of possession. Saw an effort drift just wide of the post.
Jesse Lingard: 5/10
Thrown in for Sanchez with less than fifteen minutes played as United went in search of a winner. Had an effort saved by Begovic.
