To this momentous and thunderous defeat at Manchester United’s illustrious Old Trafford, for Bournemouth, one could scarcely expect a more improbable and impressive victory. Not only was this their first win over the Red Devils in this most hallowed of places, but it was also their first time triumphing against the team in their fortress while they were positioned in the lower echelons of the league table.
With Erik ten Hag, fresh from picking up the prize for the Premier League Manager of the Month, after leading the Red Devils to victory against Chelsea midweek, it seemed like all was going well at Old Trafford. The fans were excited for a spectacular showing. However, these hopes were shattered within the initial moments when Bournemouth surged ahead with a goal from Dominic Solanke.
The defending at the back from United was sloppy, and it was clear that Bournemouth held the edge. Players such as Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial were not up to their usual form, leaving the home fans audibly worried about the off-field performances. Bournemouth probed continually and had chances to extend their lead before the half.
After Solanke struck the post just before the second half, Ten Hag grew agitated and decided to make a crucial substitution. Off went Martial, and in came Rasmus Hojlund, much to the delight of the United home fans. Their hopes for an improvement to their abysmal performance were dashed when Bournemouth furthered their lead with goals from Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi. United’s defense was at sixes and sevens throughout the match.
Then to add insult to injury, their poster boy Fernandes picked up a yellow card, ruling himself out for their next game against Liverpool in the coming week. United was comprehensively beaten, and there was no respite, even with Bournemouth finding the back of the net another time, only for the goal to be disallowed for a handball.
The Stretford End was not relenting in their frustration as they booed the Red Devils off the field after five minutes of added time. The questions surrounding the squad are mounting and the urgency for some answers is growing. It’s a humongous task for Ten Hag to rally his troops now. This is a result that will echo around the league, and much introspection is due at the club.
The loss even seemed to have an impact on football fans at large, as many took to social media to express their dismay and possibly even reconsider their love for the game. With the Red Devils humiliated, the questions surrounding the team and especially the manager are the most pertinent aspect of football in England right now.
