- Hit Bournemouth 4-1
- Man City back to winning ways
Manchester United are now only three points behind fifth placed Arsenal, thanks to another impressive display in a 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were the stars of the show once again as they led the way in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth, securing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a third successive win since taking charge.
United continued to play with the freedom and zip which has so far characterised the post-Jose Mourinho era, with Pogba and Rashford – who have impressed under caretaker boss Solskjaer – key components as the Red Devils wrapped up 2018 by closing to within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal.
A moment of inspiration from Rashford saw Pogba open the scoring early on for the home side, and the pair added further first-half goals to put United in a commanding position.
Nathan Ake decreased the deficit just before the break, but Romelu Lukaku – back from compassionate leave – marked his return by scoring in the second half, with the only disappointment for the hosts being a late red card for Eric Bailly.
A lightning United start brought the breakthrough after just five minutes, Rashford squirming past Ake out wide before skillfully beating Diego Rico. The pacey run allowed him to play a teasing ball across the face of goal for Pogba’s simple finish that put United 1-0 up under six minutes.
United’s dominance showed again in the 33rd minute, with Pogba heading Ander Herrera’s fine right-wing delivery past the stranded Asmir Begovic.
Deservedly, Rashford got in on the act when steering home Anthony Martial’s excellent lofted pass, though Ake pulled one back almost immediately as he nodded home a David Brooks cross from close range.
Bournemouth tightened up after the interval, though United still managed to restore the three-goal cushion in the 72nd minute when Lukaku latched on to Pogba’s pass and slotted beyond Begovic shortly after replacing Rashford.
The late dismissal for Bailly, shown a straight red for a wild lunge on Ryan Fraser, was a blemish for United, but it had little impact on the outcome.
Pogba looking a different player
Indeed, Pogba has been transformed since Mourinho departed United. His talent was never in doubt, but once again he appears to be making every attempt to control the midfield, something he rarely seemed capable of before the change in manager. On Sunday, he was everywhere, always looking to be demanding possession. Whatever Solskjaer has said to him, it appears to have done the trick.
Inspirational Rashford
Pogba certainly deserves praise for his performance, but Rashford was the best player on the pitch. Not only did he lead the line effectively, he was a constant threat when drifting out wide as well, as shown by his sublime assist for the opening goal.
Bournemouth’s weak link
The visitors’ defensive-minded players in a 3-5-2 system struggled, with the left-sided Rico the worst of the bunch. United were at their most threatening down his side, and he was beaten far too easily by Rashford for the first goal.
He rarely offered anything going forward from his wing-back role, either.
Key Opta Facts
– Manchester United have recorded three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since a run of five in April.
– After losing their first league clash with Bournemouth in December 2015, the Red Devils are unbeaten in each of the last seven Premier League games against them (W6 D1).
– Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is only the third United manager to win his first three league games in charge of the club, after Matt Busby and Jose Mourinho.
– Marcus Rashford has provided six assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season; as many as in his previous two seasons combined (77 apps).
– Paul Pogba has scored four goals in his three Premier League appearances under Solskjaer, as many as he had in his previous 20 under Mourinho.
– With four goals and three assists, December 2018 has been Pogba’s best month for goal involvements in his top-flight career.
What’s next?
Solskjaer and United begin 2019 with a trip to Newcastle United on January 2, aiming to make it four wins in a row in the top flight while Bournemouth host Watford the same day.
Meanwhile, defending Champions, Manchester City were back on winning ways as they steam-rolled to a 3-1 away victory at Southampton.
After the back to back losses to Crystal Palace and Leicester City, the Pep Guardiola’s men roared back to their best form in terms of work rate off the ball by easily putting the Saints to sleep on Sunday.
Winger Raheem Sterling praised City for doing the hard yards as goals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero, either side of a James Ward-Prowse own goal, got the reigning champions back on track, but only after a scare late in the first half.
With 47 points on the log, City moved to seven points behind leaders, Liverpool currently topping the table with 54 points – Additional reports from Goal.com
