Manchester United’s set-piece frailties were in evidence again as Dean Huijsen gave Bournemouth a 30th-minute lead at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Ryan Christie’s free-kick found defender Huijsen at the back post, who looped a header over goalkeeper Andre Onana to put the Cherries on course for a fourth win of what would be a five-game unbeaten run.
“What a start for Bournemouth,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They could just drift it in – they didn’t have to do too much. Dean Huijsen just glances it in and it drifts into the far top corner.”
Just a chill guy scoring at Old Trafford 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UnnyCpseIb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
📰 Table Of Contents
Man United vs Bournemouth: Huijsen goal
Bournemouth made a strong start before going ahead, although United went close twice through Bruno Fernandes with half-time closing in.
Kepa Arrizabalaga denied United’s captain with a fine save, while the Portugal playmaker sent another effort narrowly wide.
United have now conceded the first goal in each of their last six matches under new manager Ruben Amorim, who left forward Marcus Rashford out of his matchday squad for a third straight game.
Tottenham, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all scored the opening goals in Amorim’s preceding five games in charge.
Among six changes from their 4-3 Carabao Cup final defeat at Tottenham on Thursday, Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack and full-back Tyrell Malacia makes his second league appearance of the season.
“It’s my decision, I want to see the best of my players” 💬
Ruben Amorim comments on Marcus Rashford being left out the squad 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dLiBMEPBA3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Premier League table
The Red Devils began the day in 13th but knew they could rise above Bournemouth with a second consecutive league win following their late 2-1 triumph at Manchester City the previous Sunday.
The Cherries, meanwhile, would rise to fifth with three points, leapfrogging Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City.
Manager Andoni Iraola chose to give midfielder Tyler Adams his fifth start in 10 league games since his return from a back injury in mid-October.
The USA international came in for Lewis Cook as his side pursued a third consecutive away win, having prevailed at Wolves and Ipswich Town.
