Manchester United’s weaknesses from set pieces were once again highlighted 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 fired a header over goalkeeper Andre Onana to put the Cherries on their way to their fourth win in a five-game unbeaten run.
“What a start for Bournemouth,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They were able to just let it flow – they didn’t have to do much. Dean Huijsen just throws the ball in and it lands in the far top corner.”
Just a cool guy who scores at Old Trafford 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UnnyCpseIb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Man United vs Bournemouth: Huijsen goal
Bournemouth got off to a strong start before taking the lead, although United went close twice through Bruno Fernandes just before half-time.
Kepa Arrizabalaga made a fine save to deny the United captain, while the Portuguese playmaker fired another shot just wide.
United have now conceded their first goal in each of their last six games under new manager Ruben Amorim, who has left striker Marcus Rashford out of his squad for the third consecutive season.
Tottenham, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all scored first goals in Amorim’s previous five games as manager.
Among the six changes since Thursday’s 4-3 Carabao Cup final defeat at Tottenham, Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack and full-back Tyrell Malacia made his second league appearance of the season.
“It’s my decision, I want to see the best in my players” 💬
Ruben Amorim comments on Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the squad 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dLiBMEPBA3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
Premier League table
The Red Devils started the day 13th but knew they could overtake Bournemouth with a second successive win in the league, having won late 2-1 at Manchester City earlier on Sunday.
The Cherries, meanwhile, would move up to fifth place with three points, overtaking Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City.
Manager Andoni Iraola opted to allow midfielder Tyler Adams to make his fifth appearance in ten league games since his return from a back injury in mid-October.
The USA international came on for Lewis Cook as his side sought a third successive away win following wins at Wolves and Ipswich Town.
