King fires Bournemouth to win over former club Man United

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Joshua King stunted Manchester United’s form resurgence with the lone goal in a 1-0 win for Bournemouth at a wet and windy Vitality Stadium.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked to have turned the corner following a morale-boosting run of three consecutive victories in all competitions but their failings on the road returned on Saturday.

Anthony Martial’s presence in the starting XI failed to add potency and King ensured his former club’s long wait for a clean sheet in a Premier League away game stretched to 11 matches.

The striker was afforded time to skilfully turn and shoot in the 45th minute, his clinical finish lifting the Cherries three points clear of a United side destined to end the weekend in mid-table.

United made a bright start under grey skies as Daniel James set up shooting opportunities for Andreas Pereira and Fred.

After a challenging first 15 minutes, Bournemouth appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when Ryan Fraser went down under minimal contact from Ashley Young.

VAR approved the decision and decided against intervening following Jefferson Lerma’s nudge on Martial in the opposite box.

United could hardly protest the opener as King chested down Adam Smith’s cross, spun away from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and volleyed through David de Gea’s legs.

The rain relented after half time, helping Aaron Ramsdale to parry Pereira’s long-range drive, and De Gea likewise had to be alert to block King’s finish when a ball in behind broke kindly.

Solskjaer sent on two teenagers in search of an equaliser and one, Mason Greenwood, went close, but the forward’s volley from Fred’s cross came back off the near post.

What does it mean?

Red Devils still searching for fluency

United might have sensed light at the end of the tunnel over the past week but fresh questions about where they are heading will now be asked of manager Solskjaer.

They again looked a team devoid of credible solutions to a robust defence, with Martial and Marcus Rashford unable to provide the answer.

Smith shines on rainy day

Their price tags are wildly different but Bournemouth right back Smith offered all that might be expected of Wan-Bissaka and then some. Defensively secure, he got forward with purpose and supplied the cross for King’s goal.

Lindelof’s loose marking leaves United exposed

Wan-Bissaka did not cover himself in glory for Bournemouth’s opening goal but Victor Lindelof deserves at least an equal share of the blame. The Sweden international wandered away from the danger area just as the ball was being delivered, outsourcing his defensive duty.

What’s next?

United have two winnable home matches ahead, first against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday and then Brighton and Hove Albion three days later.

Bournemouth are back in action next Saturday, away to Newcastle United.

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Dean Workman