Soccer

MANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Manchester United avoided a 16th defeat of the seasonBut this wasn’t a good performanceMan Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.Bournemouth had their intensity and grit back, after losing it over the last few weeks. But United, as always, had none.For a moment, the home side had fresh hearts after Evanlison’s straight red, but United’s persistence paid off when Manuel Ugarte’s shot was fired in on the way through by Hojlund from five yards.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut United have now failed to beat Bournemouth in their last four clashes, with the Cherries scoring EIGHT goals across their previous three wins.As ever, the away end sang Ruben Amorim’s name for 90 minutes, as Bournemouth couldn’t become the sixth side to the double over United this season.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Red Devils from the Vitality Stadium.Andre Onana – 5It’s not necessarily Onana’s fault, but Amorim shouldn’t rely on this ‘distribution’ narrative surrounding the Cameroon international.Most read in FootballUnited conceded the opener from being lackadaisical while playing out of the back against a cherry-picked high press.And Onana’s weight of pass is often a long way off. It lacked power into Leny Yoro, who sent it into Row Z for safety early on.There’s a clear lack of relationship between the goalkeeper and his back line.He reacted SO late when Dango Outtara’s blistering free-kick smacked off the post before the hour mark.Harry Maguire – 6Did well at times in his battle with Semenyo in both boxes, with VAR checking two separate penalty incidents in United’s favour.But Semenyo came out on top, lashing in a stunning opener for his ninth goal of the season.Given the final quarter of the game off to prepare for Athletic Club semi-final on Thursday.Luke Shaw – 6Shaw finally started his first Man Utd game in 434 days, when he came off against Luton Town, who are now fighting to stay in the Championship!He’s not up to scratch fitness wise and he clearly hasn’t played this Bournemouth side, who are one of the best pressing teams in the Premier League.Shaw – who started on the left hand side of the back three – sent an ill-advised pass to Dorgu, which invited pressure in the build up to Semenyo’s goal.Yet United desperately need the England star back up to the mark. And he got better as the game went on.His distribution and crosses into the box offered what others in his position cannot. Booked for stopping a counter-attack.Leny Yoro – 6Some cheeky old fashioned defending at times, grabbing several Bournemouth shirts in the first 15 minutes.Stayed back for Bournemouth’s lightning breaks and cleaned up. But was beaten by Adam Scott too many times down the line. But the teenager has stepped up his attacking game on corners, with a couple headers saved by Kepa. Encouraging prospect.Blocked off Evanlison for a few. But was left frustrated with the ref who took an age to give it as a foul.Patrick Dorgu – 3Spent too long dallying on the ball before being robbed by Adam Smith, whose cross into Evanilson was met with the daintiest of backheel flicks back to Semenyo.More lively than Mazraoui down the wing and almost caught Kepa out with several threatening crosses – but his team-mate is stronger defensively. Was extremely unluckly to be booked after winning the ball from Smith, which won Bournemouth a dangerous free-kick early in the second half. Casemiro – 5Casemiro looked back to half his best of late after inspiring United’s comeback against Lyon and playing well in several defeats.But he cheaply and naively the ball away at the edge of the box to Ouattara, whose blocked shot gave the home side a dangerous corner.Semenyo and Scott flicked and tricked through the 32-year-old early on.And Amorim looked incensed whenever he lost the ball to a determined Justin Kluivert.Kobbie Mainoo – 5The midfielder threatened to mimic his soon-to-be famous goal against Lyon in the dramatic Europa League comeback a few weeks back, after weaving his way through to cut in early on.It’s clear Amorim has asked him to drop in when United lose possession, but Casemiro is often too alone in front of the back three. Started brightly but lost his way a little as the game wore on.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Did well in his battle with Ouattara throughout and sent a brilliant ball over the top for Garnacho’s chance.There’s nothing extraordinary about Mazraoui, but he’s a solid and reliable squad player that can be trusted – more than most.Evanlison was sent off for a serious foul play slide challenge on the Morocco international in the 69th minute.Alejandro Garnacho – 6The Argentine came to life with his first touch of the game with manipulative feet to send a shot just past Kepa’s goal in the 16th minute. Garnacho won United’s first foul when Tyler Adams slid in, which was cleared and checked by VAR – seconds later Bournemouth scored.He got in-between Bournemouth’s centre-backs to get on the end of a delicious ball which was chipping Kepa, who brilliantly saved.Left-footed effort couple of widths wide of the post on the brink of half-time. Quick feet to win fouls, free kicks, not that United can score from any.No matter how bright the winger looks, he just can’t match it with an end product. It’s still two goals in 21 games this season. Bruno Fernandes – 4Got to feel sorry for Bruno at times. The captain like a broken man. Full of disappointment in those around him.The only critique is that he perhaps asks for too much from his team-mates, who can’t match his thinking with movement in front of him.United always look to him for answers. Today he didn’t have many.And just like he did in the defeat to Wolves last week, the midfielder uncharacteristically scuffed a shot 10 yards from goal, before the flag went up.The Red Devils can’t afford for Bruno to drop his form before the Europa League semi-finals against Athletic Club. They need him back in full force.Rasmus Hojlund – 3It is tempting to give Hojlund a lower score and really lambast him for yet another forgettable performance before his late leveller.Didn’t realise he was on the pitch until United started threatening Kepa’s goal towards the end of the first half.Read More on The SunDespite his goal, which was his third of the season, there is a reason Hojlund has been linked with a swap deal back to the Serie A.He almost never arrives in the right place in the box, which basically means he lacks ruthless a striker’s instinct. Hopefully he gets some confidence after the goal.SUBSManuel Ugarte (for Casemiro ’65) – 7Jeered by the home support after sending a shot flying from distance during a promising United attack.His shot was converted on the way through by Hojlund. He won’t mind. He’s a bit of a club man.Mason Mount (for Mainoo ’65) – 6It opened up brilliantly for Mount, whose shot was blocked for a potential equaliser. He tries. But is £60m worth it? Not at all.Victor Lindelof (for Maguire ’66) – 6United are the only team in the Prem to consistently change their centre-backs during games. Bizarre.Didn’t have much to do as Bournemouth retreated following the red card.Chido Obi (for Mazraoui ’75) – 6Unlike Hojlund, Obi was in the right place to meet Shaw’s cross within seconds of coming on after Bournemouth’s red card. More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville admits Liverpool’s imminent 20th league title will end the long-running debate over who is England’s most successful club.The Reds host Tottenham at Anfield and will seal the Premier League title if they avoid defeat with four games to go on manager Arne Slot’s first season in charge.Manchester United legend Gary Neville admits Liverpool are about to become England’s most successful clubNeville insists Liverpool’s historic title ‘should cause real tremors’ at Man UtdIf the Merseysiders pull it off then they will be lifting only their second Prem trophy, but will still be tying United in overall English titles.However, Neville, 50, concedes that Liverpool’s European success – which has seen them win six trophies compared to Man Utd’s three – will decisively tip the balance.And the pundit, who amassed 600 appearances with the Red Devils during a successful 19-year career, warned his former club that their rivals’ imminent celebrations “should cause real tremors”.The ex-England international, who won eight Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies with United, argued his and fellow legends’ work at Old Trafford is about to be overshadowed.Read More on Man UtdThe former full-back admitted this is a “sobering day” for his beloved club but insists Liverpool have earned it and deserve respect.Neville told Sky Sports: “You have to respect the team that have won the title, they have been the best team.”It is one of the great coaching performances we have seen, to come in and not get players, and still achieve this, you have to hand it to him. But it is a sobering day.”It is a massive deal. When you think of the importance of a league title, the managers at Liverpool and United always talk about your bread and butter being the league. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Obviously Liverpool have more European Cups, but the painful thing to say is the debate is over for a period until United become successful again and win leagues.”It should cause real tremors at Old Trafford. Liverpool will be the most successful club after today, and that should cause heartache and pain. Because it took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool.”‘Absolute s***fest of management’ – Gary Neville follows Roy Keane in unleashing angriest Man Utd rant yetLiverpool hero Daniel Sturridge sang his former team’s praises and explained the significance of the imminent celebrations.The Reds won their sole Premier League title in 2020 but were unable to celebrate with the fans due to the coronavirus pandemic.Sturridge said: “This is a day they have all been dreaming of. Last time they did not get to celebrate, so to have the fans here and to feel the togetherness is what they want.” More

LEAGUE title No.21 has never felt so far away for Manchester United.On the weekend that rivals Liverpool could match their record of 20 top flight triumphs, United looked to be slumping to another history-making defeat with their fall from grace hitting a new low.Rasmus Hojlund ended his goal drought with a last-gasp equaliserCredit: ReutersAntoine Semenyo netted the openerCredit: GettyThe winger fired in after Evanlison’s clever touch to himCredit: GettyEvanilson was shown a red card following a collision with Noussair MazraouiCredit: GettyRuben Amorim managed to salvage a point against ten menCredit: PAFollowing Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd-minute strike at Europe-chasing Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim’s men were on course for their sixteenth defeat of the campaign – a first in the Premier League era and the first time in 35 years.Fortune appears to favour the woeful, however. Evanilson’s harsh 70th-minute sending off gave the visitors the momentum as Rasmus Hojlund bundled in a 96th-minute leveller from close range.The jubilation in the away end was wild, but perhaps just for show. United’s state remains bleak, in 14th and a world away from life on Merseyside right now – a team that actually has cause to celebrate.Boss Amorim and shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in the stands at the Vitality Stadium, should be more worried about themselves.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is laughable that, in the most dire of seasons, United could still emulate Liverpool by lifting silverware this season, but boss Amorim is somehow still dreaming of just that with a Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.Not that Bilbao should be concerned. Bournemouth weren’t, and Andoni Iraola will feel his side deserved a valuable three points that would have put them in the driving seat for continental football.Instead, there is still a mountain to climb with four games left.Harry Maguire spoke pre-match of the similarities between Bilbao’s style of play and Bournemouth’s, making this the perfect European warm-up in the south coast sunshine.Most read in FootballIt is why Amorim opted to go for strength rather than security – making five changes from the Wolves defeat with big-hitters Maguire, Leny Yoro, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes back in.There was also a rare start for Luke Shaw – his first since England’s defeat in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain back in July – which would prove to be a stern test of his fitness following a series of frustrating muscular issues that have severely hampered him this term.’This is big boy stuff’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend blasts stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir after Newcastle blunderTo be protected further, Shaw was on the left of a back three with Patrick Dorgu at wing-back – a necessity now with Diogo Dalot likely ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a calf problem.For any other side, this would be a great time to head to the Vitality, the Cherries suffering a woeful run of form of just two Prem wins from their last ten to drop off the sprint finish for a top five Champions League spot.But as the saying goes, this is Manchester United. One that averages slightly above one point a game under Amorim and with just 17 away points this term, only Tottenham and the relegated bottom three accumulating less thus far.You cannot blame Amorim for living in the future when the present is so bleak.Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.This is a dead dog of a season that is being wished away week by painful week while United remain in with a shout in Europe, however fanciful and unlikely that may look right now.But as preparations go for a mammoth two-legged tie against Bilbao – currently in the La Liga top four behind the division’s three giants – this will have taught Amorim very little, but confirmed a hell of a lot he already knew.Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho had attempts at goal that kept Kepa occupied but unfazed. In the meantime, the hosts were patient, waiting for a moment to pounce on a feeble opponent.It came via some fortune. Tyler Adams left the ground and planted one of his studs into the ankle of Garnacho just outside United’s box, picking up a yellow for his troubles.In real time it looked nasty. Replays confirmed it was, one that usually ends in a dismissal, yet VAR let the American midfielder off after the briefest of checks.Andre Onana stood over the free-kick, deciding his best bet was to put his team under more pressure after a stop in play, passing sideways to Maguire and then onto Dorgu, who was dispossessed in the softest of contests.The cross in was flicked backwards by Evanilson and Semenyo gobbled up the offering with a fizzed effort past Onana.Bought for £10m and now linked with a mega-move away this summer for around £70m, the Bristol City academy graduate is a stark reminder to United in how to develop a player and make him better.United appear to be elite in doing the opposite with whoever walks through the door at Old Trafford, which is why Semenyo will be thinking more than twice if the Red Devils come calling in a few months.Amorim’s reaction to his side going behind again was muted and emotionless. Casemiro took his anger out on Evanilson by raking his studs down the chest of his compatriot.Garnacho was the brightest of a dim bunch for the visitors, beating the offside trap and nearly lobbing an onrushing Kepa but for the Spaniard’s fingertips.Another shot from the Argentinian winger was dragged wide. Half-time was hardly a welcome relief with United winning just one of their 21 Prem away games in which they have trailed at the break across the past four seasons – the last coming in December.So it made sense when Amorim’s men sleepwalked into the second half and allowed Semenyo to curl one within inches of the top corners after just 70 seconds.Dango Ouattara then smacked the post from a free-kick, but the game changed when Evanilson slipped into a sliding challenge on Noussair Mazraoui in the 68th minute.Two minutes and a VAR check and monitor review later, Peter Bankes upgraded the yellow to red – having also booked one of Iraola’s coaching staff for clashing with United’s bench.Throwing caution to the wind, finally, United looked dangerous.Read More on The SunMason Mount missed a sitter, blocked by Milos Kerkez and Fernandes smacked the side-netting.And then, Shaw’s cross was diverted by Manuel Ugarte and stabbed home by Hojlund – just his second United goal since December. More