Acrobatic Casemiro strike helps Man Utd edge closer to top-four berth
Winless in their previous four away matches, the United faithful would’ve been forgiven for thinking it might’ve been a tough afternoon against already safe Bournemouth.
That didn’t appear to be the case, as a spectacular Casemiro bicycle kick broke the deadlock early in the first half.
Connecting to a looping ball inside the penalty area, the Brazilian’s first Premier League goal since netting against the Cherries earlier in the season arrived in acrobatic fashion, much to the delight of the travelling United fans.
In cruise control up until the HT break, the visitors started the second period in similar fashion, controlling possession and creating the odd chance.
While the threat at the opposite end was close to non-existent, United boss Ten Hag continued to cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, as his side struggled to find the all-important second goal.
Bruno Fernandes came closest for the Red Devils, but the Portuguese international’s volleyed effort was comfortably saved by Neto in the Bournemouth goal.
With the game heading into its dying embers, Bournemouth began to break free from their own shackles, pushing forward with a flurry of late attacks.
Breaking in behind the United backline, Kieffer Moore lacked the composure needed to beat David De Gea, with the Spaniard parrying away the substitute’s effort.
Of course, it wouldn’t matter much for Bournemouth, as the south coast outfit were already confirmed of their spot in next season’s Premier League, with Gary O’Neil now able to enjoy the final weekend of the campaign without any stress.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Casemiro (Manchester United)
