Peter Henry
Manchester United continued their slow ascent of the Premier League table by beating Bournemouth 2-1 earlier today at Dean Court.
It was very much a game of two halves on the South Coast, with the Cherries flying out of the traps and deservedly taking the lead when in form striker Callum Wilson slotted home from close range in the 11th minute.
However, Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial’s composed finish against the run of play saw Jose Mourinho’s side go in at half-time level.
The Red Devils wrestled back control of the game in the second period and missed a host of excellent chances, before substitute Marcus Rashford poked home a dramatic 92nd minute winner from inside the six-yard box to hand the Old Trafford outfit another much needed win.
Here’s how the players rated…
Bournemouth
Begovic 8
No chance with either goal and made some fine saves as Manchester United piled on the pressure in the second period.
Francis 7
Had his work cut out with Martial, Pogba and Shaw attacking down the left, but stuck to his task well.
S Cook 6
Always puts in a shift, although the Cherries stalwart struggled with United’s movement in behind at times.
Ake 8
Hugely unlucky to be on the losing after a massive performance; blocked, tackled and cleared his heart when his side were under the pump, showing exactly why he is being linked with a move to a top six club.
A Smith 7
Got forward to great effect for the first half an hour, but was pinned further and further back the longer the game went on. Very much a modern full back who looks more comfortable in attack than defence.
Stanislas 7
Bright all day and provided a beautifully weighted cross for the Cherries goal.
L Cook 6
As we are told every single week during commentary Cook was the captain of the England U20 team that won the World Cup. Despite this, while he often looks excellent when Bournemouth are dominating games, he tends to go AWOL when the going gets tough.
Lerma 7
The big Colombian international brings Eddie Howe’s side some much needed physical presence in the middle of the park – something the Cherries have been badly missing in previous campaigns.
Fraser 6
Full of energy, but the Premier League’s joint highest assist makers final ball wasn’t quite as accurate as usual today.
Brooks 8 (MOTM)
A wonderfully gifted young player, who provided come classy moments of skill and invention.
Wilson 7
Another tidy finish from one of the Premier League’s most in form strikers.
Substitutes
Gosling 7
His introduction stopped Bournemouth being over run in midfield and got forward well at times.
Ibe 5
All the physical and technical attributes needed, but seems to lack game intelligence, a young Theo Walcott basically.
Surman N/A
No impact.
Manchester United
De Gea 7
The Spain international must be cracking up playing behind United’s slipshod defence, it’s now just one clean sheet all season in the Premier League for the World Class 27-year-old.
Young 7
In a hugely inconsistent team, Young is one of Mourinho’s more consistent performers. Unlucky not to score with a superb second-half free kick that cannoned off the frame of the goal.
Smalling 5
Has always been ridiculously limited with the ball at his feet, but seems to have lost the ability to defend now, which really isn’t a good look.
Lindelof 5
Is gradually improving, but still nowhere near good enough.
Shaw 7
Shaky in the first half, but improved massively in the second period and combined well with Martial and Pogba in attack.
Fred 5
Is clearly trying but is really struggling to come to terms with the pace of the English game.
Matic 7
Slow and ponderous in possession during the opening exchanges, but like most of his teammates markedly improved as United wrestled back control of the game in the second period.
Pogba 7
Looked like another game was about to pass the £89 million man by, but he did well to beat his man and produce a teasing cross for the winner.
Mata 6
Apart from one excellent through ball to Martial, the diminutive playmaker struggled to impact the game as much as he has in recent weeks.
Sanchez 7
His movement was excellent on occasion and this was definitely a step in the right direction for the struggling Chile international, but his habit of constantly losing possession is extremely alarming.
Martial 8
Continued his excellent recent form with a composed finish in the first-half to undeservedly bring his team back into the game and looked a threat throughout.
Substitutes
Rashford 7
This was so close to being a rant about what a poor finisher the youngster is after his woeful miss from close range, but he poked home the winner in injury time, so well done Mr. Match Winner.
Herrera 7
United looked a lot more composed in midfield after his introduction and he went close with two decent efforts from the edge of the area – should keep his place in the team after this showing.
Lingard 6
Brought decent energy and movement after his introduction, although he did look a little rusty at times.