Rashford scores as Manchester United thrash Bournemouth
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Updated 18/05/2016 at 06:57 GMT
Premier League, Old Trafford - Manchester United 3 (Rooney 43', Rashford 74', Young 87') AFC Bournemouth 1 (Smalling own goal 90+3'
Marcus Rashford scored - Manchester United v Bournemouth
Image credit: Reuters
Manchester United weren't able to find the 19 goals that they needed to usurp Manchester City from next season's Champions League, but they did secure 5th place and their passage to the Europa League group stages, as well as warm up nicely for Saturday's FA Cup final. Bournemouth finish 16th.
At the end of a first half notable for its tedium even by the august standards of Louis van Gaal's United, Wayne Rooney gave them lead by finishing a move that he started and featured stellar contributions from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
The goal was entirely out of keeping with everything that had preceded it but United improved after the break while Bournemouth did not, and as such that the second goal was entirely expected. Even so, though, Marcus Rashford's instant finish was impressive, the height of nerveless competence - and it will do no harm to his prospects of turning his spot in England's preliminary 26-man Euro 2016 squad into a place on the plane to France.
United could easily have won by five or six, but had to content themselves with just one more goal, created by the excellent Rooney for Ashley Young, before, in the final minute of injury-time, Chris Smalling's own-goal gave Bournemouth a consolation they scarcely earned.
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Manchester United v Bournemouth, and Wayne Rooney v Dan Gosling
Image credit: Reuters
TALKING POINT
United showed signs of teamwork and suchlike, but the fact that this type of display has been a rarity - both this and last season - means Louis van Gaal's job is under threat. They have failed to challenge for the title, failed to qualify for the Champions League and singularly failed to entertain. In such context it is hard to construct an argument for Van Gaal to remain.
MAN OF THE MATCH
He wasn't put under much pressure, but Wayne Rooney's passing was on point throughout the evening. He started the move that led to his goal, made another and also created various other chances.
PLAYER RATINGS
Man Utd: De Gea 6, Valencia 7, Smalling 6, Blind 7, Borthwick-Jackson 7, Carrick 6, Mata 7, Lingard 6, Rooney 8, Martialn 8, Rashford 8. Subs: Depay 6, Young 7, Ander Herrera 6.
Bournemouth: Federici 7, Francis 6, Elphick 5, Cook 6, Daniels 7, Ritchie 7, Gosling 5, Surman 5, Pugh 5, Wilson 6, King 6. Subs: Gradel 6, Grabban 6.
KEY MOMENTS
37' Daniels, found by Ritchie, makes his way down the right and cuts back a return, missing his man - but finding Gosling, alone in the box around the penalty spot. He manages to drive a shot straight at Valencia, but at least it is one.
43' GOAL! AND WHAT A GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth (Rooney) This is superb. Rooney sends the ball wide to Borthwick-Jackson, who nips it inside to Martial. He runs at Francis and eliminates him via one-two with Mata, then silkily squares for Rashford, who brilliantly steps over - what a brain he has on him - and Rooney drills home a low shot from close range.
50' More actual football from United, Mata, just outside the box and dead centre, laying back for Carrick who finds Martial, first time. Immediately, he taps right, back to Mata who turns beautifully before Cook taps his calf, knocking him down. No penalty, apparently.
54' Michael Carrick, playing what might be his last game for United - his contract is up - takes possession from Borthwic-Jackson, 25 yards out, dead centre. Allowing it to run across his body, he slams a shot straight at goal which flicks off Elphick and moves all manner of ways, hammering the underside of the bar. Rashford does his best to reach the rebound, but the bounce is too much and he can only head sideways.
59' More lovely play for United, Rashford racing at Pugh and befuddling him - perhaps himself too - with footwork. But it helps him reach the by-line, and his cross is low and dangerous, retrieved by Martial who tees up Lingard for a clever low sidefooter. It scooshes just wide.
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60' United win a corner that's cleared as far as Valencia, 30 yards out. He takes a touch and then fairly annihilates a dig that's headed for the far top corner - Federici has to extend every fibre to tip clear and is some discomfort subsequently.
62' Rooney dabs one into Mata, loitering between the lines, and he drags the ball away from Elphick, fooling everyone by teeing up his right foot. The low shot that eventuates is a good one too, forcing Federici into a smart save.
74' GOAL! Manchester United 2-0 Bournemouth (Rashford) Marcus Rashford knows things. Rooney lifts a lovely ball over the top from centre to right, picking out Valencia. He dabs back for Rashford, who drills a sweep first time into the far corner. That was ridiculously instant composed, the difficult made to look easy.
87' GOAL! Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth (Young) Wayne Rooney has had a really good game tonight, for all that means, and given time on the ball, he lifts a delicious pass over the top for Young, whose chest control is excellent. His shot is less so, straight at Federici, but there's enough on it to keep it trickling over the line.
90+3' GOAL! Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth (Smalling, o.g.) No "golden gloves" for David De Gea. Grabban does superbly, harrying his way across the face of the United box before drilling a cross from the right by-line. It fall to Gradel, who scuffs a shot of sorts which Smalling runs past his keeper. Paroxyms of joy in chez Cech.
KEY STATS
- Marcus Rashford has five goals and two assists from 11 Premier League appearances this season.
- Wayne Rooney netted his 100th Premier League goal at Old Trafford; only Thierry Henry at Highbury has scored more at a single ground in the competition (114).
- Manchester United scored with their first shot on target of the game.
- The Red Devils have taken 22 points from a possible 24 in their last eight Premier League games at Old Trafford.
- Only bottom side Aston Villa (76) have conceded more top-flight goals this season than Bournemouth (67, level with Norwich).
- This was Manchester United’ 19th league win this season; their joint-lowest total of victories in a Premier League campaign (also 19 in 13/14)
- Anthony Martial has assisted each of Rooney’s last three goals in all competitions.
- French youngster Martial has had a hand in 15 Premier League goals this season (11 goals, 4 assists), more than any other Manchester United player.
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