Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares45 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim refuses to confirm Marcus Rashford return date as Gary Neville gives damning verdict on ‘inevitable ending’

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM will not offer a return date for Marcus Rashford, as United legend Gary Neville insists the England star may have played his last game for the club.For a third time in eight days, Rashford was left out of Amorim’s match day squad for the catastrophic 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.Marcus Rashford’s return to Man Utd’s first team is still unclearCredit: GettyRuben Amorim let him out of the 3-0 defeat to BournemouthCredit: GettyHe was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a club tracksuit, but has yet to be re-integrated into the squad – unlike Alejandro Garnacho who was, like Rashford was axed for last weekend’s Manchester derby win but has come on as a sub in the last two games.And former United skipper Neville believes the Rashford situation is in danger of becoming a distraction for Amorim and the club.He said: “It is not really big team news any more.“It is something of a norm, a pattern has developed over the last week. It was a surprise last weekend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It is getting to the point where you leave him out three games on the bounce something really is obviously going wrong or has gone wrong.“And it is not looking great for both Marcus’ future at the club or Manchester United keeping him either.”I suspect it is getting to that point in the journey where it has got an inevitable ending.”It is a distraction for the manager. It does become obvious that he probably has to leave and that the club want him to leave – it will probably work for both parties.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith the January window barely a week away, that prospect may come into focus in the coming days, with Neville citing recent examples of players who have benefitted from a move away.He said: “There are good examples as well of players who have struggled at United.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’Gary Neville reckons the signs are clear that Rashford will goCredit: AFP“Jadon Sancho has gone to Chelsea and is doing better, Scott McTominay wasn’t struggling but he left to go to Napoli and he is doing well, so Marcus might think it is the right thing for him as well.”Amorim, meanwhile, still insists there is no disciplinary aspect to the decision to again leave him out – and simply cites the reason as a “selection” matter.Amorim said: “It’s my decision and it always will be.“It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus.”Amorim insists he has not ruled Rashford out of the Boxing Day visit to Wolves but did not offer any clarity.He said: “It depends. We will see.” More

    • 225 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘locked in transfer battle with European giants’ for former Man City star Leroy Sane

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.Sane, 28, enjoyed four successful years at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, but returned to Germany in 2020.Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: GettySane is also being targeted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: RexHowever, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the German giants so far.According to Sport, the standstill between the Germany international and the Munich outfit has led to intense interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.Among them are United, Chelsea as well as Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window.However, the Premier League trio could face competition from Barcelona, who are very interested in Sane.Read More on FootballBarca need more quality down the wings especially after losing Lamine Yamal to injury.That has led to reports suggesting the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.However, Barcelona’s financial woes are pushing them towards more affordable cases, such as Sane who could become a free agent in the summer.However, the German prefers to stay in the Bundesliga despite the complicated contract talks with his current club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBayern would prefer to agree on a new deal with a lower salary, especially considering the options down the wing with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman available.Sane has scored just five goals and bagged one assist in 19 appearances this season.Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clashIn his career at Bayern, he has 53 goals and 51 assists in 194 matches.Sane was once highly thought-of at Man CityCredit: EPA More

    • 263 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham 3 Liverpool 6: Reds tighten grip on top as Salah, Diaz and Co run Spurs ragged in bonkers nine-goal thriller

      by

      NOTHING could save Spurs this time.Not the referee or linesmen inside the stadium or the VAR operator at Stockley Park. Certainly not Tottenham’s absolutely shocking defence.Mo Salah added two more goals to his tally to sink TottenhamCredit: AlamyDominik Szoboszlai had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirtCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold was also key to everything the Reds did well including one perfect assistCredit: ReutersLuis Diaz got on the scoresheet twiceCredit: GettyJames Maddison’s goal made it 2-1 before Spurs capitulatedCredit: EPAWhile last season’s meeting between these two provided us with the biggest cock-up in VAR, this was a walk in the park for the officials.Because like everyone else, they were able to just watch in total bemusement at another bonkers game at the Tottenham Stadium.Weirdly, despite the fact they conceded three times, this was one of Liverpool’s easiest wins of the season and they will be four points clear at Christmas with a game in hand.You hate to think what the aggregate scoreline will be when these two teams meet in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn October 2023, it was Luis Diaz whose goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside after the VAR mistakenly believed the on-field decision had been to award the goal, allowing Spurs to win 2-1.So it was only right that Diaz should start and finish the scoring. After heading the first,Alexis Mac Allister made it 2-0 and while James Maddison pulled one back, shambolic Spurs could not reach half-time without conceding again as Dominik Szoboszlai nodded the third.Mo Salah struck twice for goals no 17 and 18 of the season before Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke both scored – only for Diaz to grab his second.Yet Liverpool could easily have got 10 goals. While Spurs continue to be without keeper Guglielmo Vicario and centre-backs Sergio Romero and Micky van de Ven, this was still embarrassing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBefore the game, Spurs fans protested against chairman Daniel Levy and the club ownership. There were only a few hundred disgruntled supporters although a bigger protest is expected and this result will not help their mood.Because still, the performances under Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou will divide opinion and they are clearly not learning from their lessons.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahFor example, after what happened in the second half three days earlier, when he gifted Manchester United two goals, you would have thought Fraser Forster would have been a bit more careful when the ball was at his feet.Yet staggeringly just two minutes into the game, his attempted chip to Djed Spence landed at the grateful feet of Mo Salah who rushed his shot and fired into the side netting.Incredibly, in the first 18 minutes alone, Salah had five good chances which included a shot against the bar.So Tottenham could not argue that Liverpool did not deserve their lead halfway inside the first half. Diaz got between Pedro Porro and Radu Dragusin to score with an excellent header although this was all down to Alexander-Arnold’s stunning cross who then had Diaz pretend to polish his boot.Alexander-Arnold was excellent for Liverpool although he was lucky, at 0-0, to avoid conceding a penalty after shoving over Maddison.Liverpool’s second came when both Spence and Szoboszlai both jumped to meet Andy Robertson’s cross and the ball looped into the air for Mac Allister who used his head to plant an effort past Forster.Mac Allister was then guilty of offering Spurs a route back when he failed to control a pass from Alexander-Arnold under a challenge from Kulusevski. Maddison took a couple of touches before curling his effort into the bottom right corner.Yet at least, you would have thought Tottenham could get to half-time yet this proved too difficult.Alexander-Arnold’s left-footed punt upfield was met with a header by Szoboszlai and Salah ran onto the flick. Just when Spurs thought Salah would release Diaz, he delivered a reverse pass to Szoboszlai who buried a shot through Forster’s legs.After failing to score five goals in that first half, Salah joined the party. In a goalline scramble, Archie Gray delivered blocks from Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai and Salah had a simple tap-in.Szoboszlai squared brilliantly to give Salah another easy chance for 5-1 and even though Kulusevski pulled one back with a volley and Solanke struck against his former club, there was never going to be a comeback.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust to make sure, Salah delivered an assist for Diaz who stuck the ball in the corner past Fraser Forster.At the end, the final whistle was greeted with jeers but not in the away end who are loving life under Arne Slot. And pretty grateful he did not join Tottenham 18 months ago. More

    • 263 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      I was too ashamed to speak to Lionel Messi when training with him – now I’m playing for another Barcelona legend

      by

      NICO PAZ has admitted he was “too ashamed” to speak to Lionel Messi when he trained with him.The midfielder made his Argentina debut in October in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.Nico Paz was ‘nervous’ when he first met Lionel MessiCredit: GettyPaz is currently starring for Como in ItalyCredit: EPAPaz, 20, made an assist for Messi during the 6-0 victory and was hailed by the former Barcelona star afterwards.Messi claimed that the Como star can “continue to grow” and that he “understands the game perfectly”.He added: “I hope he continues like this.”He played, he enjoyed it and I think he’ll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPaz had revealed that he first met Messi when he was 17 years old.The midfielder trained with the Argentine national team when he was in the youth side.He admitted that he was “too ashamed” to try and speak to Messi and got “nervous” when seeing him.He told DAZN: “I had met him once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20s, in a training session with the senior national team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This was the second time I saw him, but the first time I was in the locker room with him.”I didn’t talk to him, I was too ashamed.Flooded pitch causes chaos in Argentina’s draw with Venezuela as Lionel Messi rants about ‘ugly’ match”I get nervous when I see him.”Since then, Paz has become one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.After progressing through the youth academy at Real Madrid, he made the bold decision to leave in August.He joined Serie A newcomers Como for £5m and has become a key player for manager Cesc Fabregas.This season, he has made 15 appearances in Serie A, scoring two goals and assisting three more.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares42 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham ‘given green light to sign goalkeeper’ and could turn to £20million England star in January transfer

      by

      TOTTENHAM have given Ange Postecoglou the green light to sign a goalkeeper from the EFL, according to reports.Spurs have been without No1 Guglielmo Vicario since November when he was ruled out with an ankle injury.Ange Postecoglou has been given the green light to sign a goalkeeperCredit: APJames Trafford is Spurs’ No1 targetCredit: GettyGuglielmo Vicario is out with a broken ankleCredit: ReutersFraser Forster came into the side as his replacement but has made mistakes, including passing the ball to a Manchester United attacker in his own box in the Carabao Cup.Tottenham are ready to bring in another keeper and have identified Burnley stoppe James Trafford as their first choice target, report The Mirror.Postecoglou has reportedly been given the green light to make a move for Trafford, who could cost £20million.Trafford received his first call-up to the England senior squad last month and boasts 19 Under-21 caps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Burnley in the summer of 2023 and made 28 Premier League appearances last season.His performances attracted the attention of Newcastle but they were unable to agree a deal with Liverpool.Vicario is expected to be out injured for a few more months, so Fraser will deputies unless a replacement is found.Spurs have also looked at Sunderland’s young keeper Anthony Patterson as well as Sheffield Wednesday rookie Pierce Charles.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPostecoglou is happy enough with Forster in the mean time, despite his mistake against United.He said: “He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us. He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says being a football manager is a harder job than prime minister“The first one probably affected his confidence a little bit. He lost a bit of belief, and that second one just compounded it. But he’s a big boy and is another one that’s stood up for us big-time in this period. I can’t speak highly enough of him.” More

    • 188 Shares48 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd break two more unwanted club records in dismal defeat at home to Bournemouth

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED broke two unwanted club records following their miserable thrashing at home to Bournemouth to add to their woeful season.United lost 3-0 to the Cherries at Old Trafford to plummet to 13th place in the Premier League table after goals by Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo.Manchester United have broken two unwanted records after losing to BournemouthCredit: GettyMan Utd suffered a heavy defeat to Bournemouth at Old TraffordCredit: PAThis marked Man Utd’s heaviest defeat under new manager Ruben Amorim, who took over after the once title favourites endured their worst ever Prem start.And now two more negative records occurred to pile up on the Red Devils’ troubles.The Manchester giants have found themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas for the first time in their history.And excluding penalties, United have conceded 17 goals from set-pieces in the English top flight this year.Read More on Man UtdThat is their most in a single calendar year in the Premier League.Amorim addressed his team’s weakness while defendiong set-pieces during his post-match interview.The Portuguese tactician told Sky Sports: “It’s hard. In this context, it’s hard to push for two or three wins. We’re trying. But this game was hard on us.”Without any situation we suffered again at set-pieces. We were a little bit nervous, the stadium.Most read in Football”We controlled the rest of the first half with some clear chances, and then in the second with the penalty and then another goal is really hard on everyone here.”In this kind of moment, every thing is hard on us. The set-pieces, the penalty, then we want to score again but we are too nervous. We have to fight this.Roy Keane opens up on fight with Man Utd team-mate that was ‘brewing for years’ and admits he left him with black eye”We tried to score but in the end, it was a tough match in a tough situation. We need to move on.”Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first halfRUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries. SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel UgarteBooked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.SubstitutesLeny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. More

    • 263 Shares42 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Hang your heads in shame’ fumes Michael Owen as he hits out at Aston Villa fans for ‘making my blood boil’

      by

      MICHAEL OWEN told Aston Villa fans to “hang your heads in shame” after booing former star Jack Grealish.The England star was on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat as he returned to Villa Park with Manchester City on Saturday.Michael Owen has slammed Aston Villa fans for booing Jack GrealishCredit: GettyThe former Villa star saw Man City beaten by his old side 2-1Credit: GettyGrealish used to be a cult hero at Villa after joining them as a six-year old.He clocked up 213 games for the Midlands club and played a key role in their Premier League return five years ago.But it seemed home supporters were yet to forgive Grealish for his £100million switch to City in 2021.The midfielder was routinely booed and jeered every time he touched the ball on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish was also involved in several fiery encounters with Villa stars like Matty Cash and Emi Martinez.And at the end of the game, he flashed three fingers towards irate fans in a jibe over his three Premier League titles at the Etihad.Now, ex-Liverpool and Man United star Owen has come to Grealish’s defence.He believes Villa fans should be ashamed of their behaviour towards their former hero.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Owen admits his “blood boiled” hearing the endless taunts and jibes towards a player who arguably made Villa what they are today.He wrote on social media: “I often hear or see things in football that makes my blood boil. Most people will probably feel the same at some point or other. Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamGrealish clashed with several Villa stars during the defeatCredit: GettyHe responded to fans with a three-fingered jibeCredit: Getty“I guess that’s quite natural when you care passionately about something, or in my case, when it’s something that has consumed your entire life.”There will always be kind, honest, generous, respectful, caring people in all walks of life just as there will always be nasty, jealous, spiteful, bitter people too. “Your job or where you’re from doesn’t necessarily make you fall into a certain category. But to those Villa fans who booed Jack Grealish yesterday, you fall into the second category and should hang your heads in shame.”Owen continued: “Here is a lad that came through YOUR academy. Supported The Villa all his life and no doubt still does. “He single-handedly dragged YOUR team back into the Premier League when you were bang average at best. “He kept you up and in hindsight, showed you ten times more loyalty than you are now showing him. He was hardly ever injured and delivered Man Of The Match performances on a regular basis. READ MORE SUN STORIES“He cost you nothing, gave you incredible service and made YOUR club over £100m when he left.”In Jack’s case he is and always will be very proud of where he comes from and so it must be heartbreaking for him to have to endure the mindless and pathetic booing that he had to listen to yesterday.” More

    • 213 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’

      by

      OLD TRAFFORD has started LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s press conference.The leak started after the Red Devil’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.Ruben Amorim’s press conference was interrupted by a leak from the ceilingCredit: Sky SportsIt followed the 3-0 defeat to BournemouthCredit: AlamyAmorim, 39, was addressing the media following the shambolic performance.But the Portuguese manager was interrupted when water started coming through the ceiling.The leak was caught on camera by the media in the room and shared on social media.Water could be seen dripping from a gap in the ceiling by the lighting while Amorim spoke about the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans have reacted to the leak on social media with many saying it is the “perfect metaphor”.One posted: “Even the ceiling is crying at the downfall of this club.”A second wrote: “It’s their fans tears.”A third commented: “A metaphor if ever I saw one.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “Sums the state of the club up right now.”Another added: “Leaks in our defence, leaks on the roof, leaks from the dressing room.”OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. In the match, Manchester United were second best for most of the 90 minutes.Dean Huijsen headed the visitors into the lead after escaping marker Joshua Zirkzee in the 28th minute. Noussair Mazraoui was then at fault in the 60th minute as he gave away a reckless penalty for a foul on Justin Kluivert.The Dutchman converted from the spot to double the visitor’s lead.Antoine Semenyo then made it 3-0 two minutes later as he finished off a great move from the Cherries.It is not the first time Old Trafford has seen leaks emerge from its roof.Back in May, a deluge of rain poured down during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.The rain caused the stadium’s roof-draining system to overflow.Former club CEO David Gill has insisted that the roof of the historic ground has been leaking for over a decade.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen on updating Manchester United’s stadium, which has fallen into disrepair.There is currently a £2billion dilemma between rebuilding Old Trafford or moving into an entirely new ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Amorim left Marcus Rashford out of the matchday squad again.It follows the forward admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” ahead of the January transfer window.Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first halfRUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries. SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel UgarteBooked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.SubstitutesLeny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. More