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Kepa at his best, Huijsen, Adams and Semenyo impress: Player ratings

Goals from Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo, as well as a fantastic goalkeeping performance from Kepa Arrizabalaga gave Bournemouth all three points.

The result puts them fifth at Christmas – here’s how the Daily Echo rated the [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) players on Sunday.

**Kepa: 8**

This was Kepa’s best performance in a Cherries shirt to date. He made some crucial saves, including a stop from Bruno Fernandes when United had a three-on-two at 1-0. The Spaniard was praised by Andoni Iraola after the game for his ‘amazing’ performance – with the boss highlighting the importance of his experience in helping a young backline.

**Milos Kerkez: 7**

Kerkez continues to go from strength to strength on the Cherries left, and it was another accomplished performance at Old Trafford from the Hungarian.

_(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)_ **Illia Zabarnyi: 7**

Another strong performance from the Ukrainian at Old Trafford, with Zabarnyi a rock at the centre of the Cherries defence. He and Huijsen look mature beyond their years and dealt with everything United could throw at them.

**Dean Huijsen: 8**

A fantastic performance at both ends for Huijsen. The 19-year-old netted his second goal from a set piece for Bournemouth with a brilliant header, and the Spanish U21 international looked very composed at the back, and extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, too.

**Adam Smith: 6**

Smith was solid before he was substituted at half time. He won the free kick that led to the opening goal, wide on the right touchline.

**Tyler Adams: 8**

A brilliant return to the starting 11 for the American. He controlled the midfield and broke up United’s attacks well, and was able to get the Cherries moving forward. With Cook, Christie and Adams all fit, Iraola has a big selection headache to contend with in midfield.

**Ryan Christie: 7**

Christie continues to be one of the keys to Iraola’s Cherries. He is often at the heart of much of w2hat the team does going forward, while also partnering Adams well when defending.

_(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)_ **Dango Ouattara: 7**

A good performance from the Burkinabé winger. His role in the third goal, in particular, was key, with a great run in behind and showing good vision to cut back to the Ghanaian.

**Justin Kluivert: 7**

Kluivert did well hassling the United backline in the Cherries press, and attacking, he looked a threat. Won and then converted the penalty to double the Bournemouth lead.

**Antoine Semenyo: 8**

This was Semenyo’s best performance of late for Bournemouth, looking a constant threat, and he was rewarded with the third goal. He started the move which culminated in his fine finish to give the Cherries some good breathing space.

_(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)_ **Evanilson: 7**

While the striker has not scored for a few weeks, he continues to be key for Iraola’s system, pressing from the front. One of his strongest attributes, in my opinion, is his link up play with the midfield and his fellow forwards. This was perfectly demonstrated in the third goal, as he turned away from Maguire and did well to hold the ball up before playing the perfect through ball in behind for Ouattara.

**Substitutes:**

**Lewis Cook: 7**

The Englishman has slotted in at right back on a couple of occasions of late and has been good. As with Kepa, his experience is key in supporting the young Cherries defence.

**Enes Unal: 6**

**Philip Billing: 6**

**David Brooks: N/A**

**James Hill: N/A**

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