Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United’s upcoming opponents Bournemouth enjoyed an iconic European win over AC Milan on Thursday night.
After losing 4-1 to Como in the Champions League, big questions are being asked about Michael Carrick and how long he has left in the job. Uncertainty is growing with Manchester United winless in seven matches, and Bruno Fernandes questioned the tactics midweek.
Carrick will hope to stop the rot on Sunday when United host Bournemouth in the Premier League at 2pm on Sunday. Under intense scrutiny, the head coach will be doing his homework on the Cherries in the coming days, presumably having watched their historic Europa League win over Italian giants AC Milan at the Vitality Stadium.
Although Bournemouth have been a mixed bag this season under Marco Rose, sitting 15th in the Premier League, they made light work of Ruben Amorim’s side as the game finished 3-0.
Little did Bournemouth fans ever think they would see their team beat Milan in a European match. In addition to that, they became the first team to beat them 3-0 in Europe since Paris Saint-Germain three years ago.
Like Como last night, the Cherries are living in a European dream, but hopefully the comparisons stop there because Carrick would have had reasons to be concerned about his next game on the basis of tonight’s performance. Bournemouth gave their fans a night to remember for decades and beyond.
Wayne Rooney urges Bruno Fernandes to reflect after slamming “selfish” Man Utd players
Wayne Rooney urges Bruno Fernandes to reflect after slamming “selfish” Man Utd players
How three Man Utd transfer windows were ruined by one player, and incompetence behind the scenes
How three Man Utd transfer windows were ruined by one player, and incompetence behind the scenes
Michael Carrick has the same problem Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced at Man Utd
Michael Carrick has the same problem Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced at Man Utd
Bournemouth took an early lead after Evanilson’s header struck a hand inside the box and the referee pointed towards the penalty spot. Justin Kulivert stood up and scored after sending Mike Maignan the wrong way. The Milan stopper was sent off in the 27th minute for pushing a Bournemouth player in the face during a corner kick. This led to Marcus Tavernier converting the second penalty kick of the match.
At this point, with Milan down to 10 men and unsettled by Bournemouth’s intensity, Rose’s side really took control of the game. Amorim’s side kept playing out from the back in difficult conditions, while Bournemouth pressed hard man-to-man.
The second half was quieter, but Bournemouth kicked on and made it 3-0 in the 84th minute. Their fans reacted by cheering at the former United manager on the touchline, with the following chant: “Ruben Amorim, it’s happening again.”
On what was an utterly miserable night for Amorim and Milan, there were lessons for Carrick and his side because Bournemouth put in a really strong display. It’s worth noting that they may have a day less to prepare for the match, but United didn’t train on Thursday as the team had only returned from playing away in Italy on Wednesday night.
Bournemouth gave a good account of themselves, and they will be looking to bring that into the weekend. The United players need to be willing to put in the hard yards because the biggest concern is Bournemouth’s intensity, regardless of their league form.
Ruben Amorim reacts to Bournemouth defeat
Amorim’s poor record against Bournemouth has carried into his reign as Milan manager, except the Portuguese never lost a game against the Cherries while he was in charge of United.
The 41-year-old faced Bournemouth twice as United head coach. There were a total of 12 goals in those two matches, although they both ended in draws.
Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd results against Bournemouth
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
Speaking to Sky Sport about the 3-0 Europa League defeat to Bournemouth, Amorim said (via Tuttomercato): “The penalty from the first corner and the red card changed the game. We didn’t have the chance to recover: that’s how it went, then came the third goal, again from a set piece.”
Amorim was also asked about how Bournemouth played the game at a quicker pace than Milan, to which he replied: “There was no match; it’s not a question of match pace. Okay, they were a different team to Salzburg, but we can’t concede a penalty from that corner and be left with ten men.”
He concluded with a tone United fans will find too familiar by saying: “This is part of the journey; looking at AC Milan’s history, we’re in a different position. One can’t disagree with the negativity of this match, but I appreciated the way we tried to do something. That’s how football works; we have to try to win the next one to change the momentum of this momentum.”