Carlo Casemiro and Luke Shaw produced a masterclass display in Manchester United’s scintillating victory over Bournemouth, United Radar understands.
First-half: Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Manchester United enjoyed large spells of possession in the opening stages of the match with nothing to show for it, until Shaw served Anthony Martial with a cross but the Franchman failed to direct his header on target.
On the 23rd minute, Casemiro opened the scoresheet from a free-kick. Christian Eriksen whipped a cross from the left flank, and the Brazillian volleyed into the roof of the net.
The Cherries were presented with an opportunity from a free-kick, but Philip Billing’s delivery was deflected behind for a corner.
The Red Devils were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the eighteen area following a foul on Casemiro. Eriksen stepped up but his fierce effort strucked off the wall.
Donny Van de Beek was substituted for Alejandro Garnacho after colliding with Marcos Senesi in what appeared to be a knee injury to the Dutchman.
First-half scoreline finished at 1-0 to Manchester United as the home side dominated large parts of the proceedings.
Second-half: Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth
Shaw strcuked home in front of the Stretford End following his solo run before exchanging passes with Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.
On the 55th minute, Martial missed a glorious opportunity when he headed wide after Casemiro served him with a beautiful cross on the platter.
Few seconds later, David de Gea was called into action by Bournemouth. The Spaniard showed brilliant reflexes by denying Billing a goal.
Once again the Cherries came close to scoring through Jaidon Anthony, but de Gea made himself big enough to preserve the two-goal cushion.
Garnacho nearly scored the third goal for the hosts. The Argentine was neatly found by Fred Rodriguez, but his effort glanced off the woodwork.
Marcus Rashford put the results beyond doubt when he scored the third goal. Shaw played a diagonal cross to Bruno and the latter served Rashord with a neat pass. The English international converted his chance.
Manchester United held off Bournemouth in the closing stages to secure a clean-sheet. The match finished at 3-0 to United.
Luke Shaw – Player of the Match
Shaw was the star performer on the evening after walking away with Player of the Match award. His goal and assist were enough to snatch him the award.
Ten Hag largely deployed the Englishman at center-back to remedy the absence of Lisandro Martinez. Manchester Evening News qouted Shaw when he spoke on his unfamiliar role:
“There’s obviously a lot of options now in the centre-back position, but I think it’s nice for the manager to know that if he ever had to rely on me, then I’m happy to play there and hopefully I have impressed him.”
“Of course, I’m a left-back, but wherever I can play for the team, I can happily do it. I think we always want to focus on keeping clean sheets because if we do that, we can win the game with the players we have, but of course, at times we were sloppy.”
“I think we can’t do that and David [de Gea] was amazing today with some really important saves – he earned the clean sheet tonight.”
According to Manchester United official website, ten Hag labeled Shaw – “fabulous” following his display at center-back.
The boss said: “We have seen in the last two games [that Shaw could play left center-back often]. I think he did fabulous and was impressive.”
“But we also know he is really good as a full-back [so] it’s an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.”
Ten Hag added: “I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Shaw [against Wolve].”
“Especially defending-wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side, and he [Shaw] could cover that because we wanted to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia, so that was a good fit.”
Casemiro takes the Premier League by storm
Casemiro has settled quite comfortable since his sensational move from Real Madrid last summer. The Brazillian once again showed his qualities on Tuesday night.
Although Casemiro came close to claiming Player of the Match award, nevertheless the 30-year-old completely dominated the middle of the park.
Casemiro has enjoyed playing in the midfield pairing that includes, amongst others, Eriksen and Fernandes in the Ten Hag era.
United title credentials
Manchester United won four conservative games at Old Trafford for the first time since a run of six victories between May and October back in 2017.
The Red Devils have further closed the gap between second placed Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal.
Only a point separates United from the Cityzens, and nine points shy off the Gunners. Ten Hag’s team will face the biggest test when they welcome City at Old Trafford, and a trip to London will prove to be the bigger test.
In the event that United win both fixtures, this will place the club in a good position to potentially challenge for the Premier League title.
