Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United: Casemiro goal seals win, Erik ten Hag’s side close on Champions League qualification

Manchester United beat Bournemouth 1-0 to boost their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

Erik ten Hag's side took the lead after just 10 minutes thanks to a sensational Casemiro goal. Christian Eriksen fired in a clever ball looking for the Brazilian, Marcos Senesi got a touch to the ball but Casemiro was able to swivel in the box before acrobatically striking his effort past Neto.

Bournemouth had their first chance after 27 minutes when Dominic Solanke fired a vicious effort on target which David De Gea was equal to.

United continued to push forward in the first half in search of a second goal but on several occasions they couldn't apply the final touch to a sweeping move.

Bournemouth had a huge chance just two minutes into the second half when David Brooks burst into the box before firing an effort on goal which De Gea was able to tip over for a corner.

Gary O'Neil's side came close to an equaliser five minutes from time when Kieffer Moore saw his effort from close range saved by De Gea.

After losing their last two matches on the road, it was imperative that Manchester United picked up all three points at the Vitality Stadium. With a resurgent Liverpool breathing down their necks, Ten Hag's side did what they needed to do to earn some breathing space in the top-four battle. Liverpool's late equaliser against Aston Villa means United have not mathematically guaranteed their presence in UEFA's elite club competition for next season but with two games left to play, they gave their chances a huge boost today with this win.

The Brazilian was Manchester United's match-winner thanks to a magnificent acrobatic effort in the first half. On the ball his long passing was brilliant and was key to getting United up the pitch. Defensively he was terrific as he so often is, winning nine duels, making five tackles, two interceptions and two clearances. The 31-year-old showcased his ability at both ends of the pitch and will rightly take the plaudits.

AFC Bournemouth: Neto 7, Zabarnyi 6, Senesi 7, Kelly 7, Cook 6, Lerma 6, Smith 6, Brooks 6, Christie 6, Anthony 6, Solanke 7 Subs: Moore 6, Vina 6, Ouattara 7

Manchester United: De Gea 8, Shaw 7, Lindelof 7, Varane 7, Wan-Bissaka 7, Casemiro 9, Eriksen 8, Sancho 7, Fernandes 6, Antony 6, Martial 6 Subs: Weghorst 6, Garnacho 6, Fred 6, McTominay 6

10' GOAL - MANCHESTER UNITED - That is a simply breathtaking goal from Casemiro! What a goal! Christian Eriksen fires a clever ball over the top looking for Casemiro, Senesi gets a touch to the ball but Casemiro then swivels in the box to acrobatically finish.

27' SUPER SAVE FROM DE GEA! - Dominic Solanke does brilliantly to engineer a shooting opportunity before firing an effort which David De Gea dives to save. That's a big chance for Bournemouth.

76' A HUGE CHANCE FOR UNITED! - Bruno Fernandes hits an effort on the volley with his instep which Neto saves brilliantly. That would have been a spectacular goal.

One more point for United will ensure UEFA Champions League football next season.