Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United: Barclays Premier League as it happened
Neat build up play from Mata and Depay sees Martial slipped in on the edge of the box. He backheels it through his markers legs before trying to dance his way into the six yard area and he nearly manages it with Bournemouth needing three or four defenders swarming to get the ball off him. Terrific foot work from the Frenchman.
What a save from Boruc! From the free kick, Depay swings a dangerous ball in that flicks off McNair and into the path of Fellaini. He hammers one on goal from point blank range but Boruc makes a superb block. McNair follows up the rebound with a looping header but the former Southampton goalkeeper leaps across his goal to palm his effort away. Remarkable start to this game.
Varela and Borthwick-Jackson - who was thrown in at the deep end when Matteo Darmian limped off - performed admirably against Wolfsburg on Wednesday, but that was also with the presence of Chris Smalling in between them. The United centre half is absent this evening with Paddy McNair stepping into his place.
Varela - McNair - Blind - Borthwick-Jackson. United's backline has looked pretty ravaged at times during Louis van Gaal's reign in charge but this is perhaps as desperate as it ever has been. Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Luke Shaw are all sidelined, perhaps the only alternative available is Ashley Young at full-back. The England international settles for spot on the bench, however.
BREAKING: Artuur Boruc starts in goal while Joshua King leads the attack against his former club. Danny Pugh settles for a spot on the bench after returning from injury.
Bournemouth team to face United: Boruc, Smith, Cook, Francis, Daniels, Ritchie, Surman, Arter, Gosling, Stanislas, King
Subs: Federici, Distin, O'Kane, Pugh, Rantie, Kermorgant, Murray
BREAKING: Guillermo Varela, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Paddy McNair start in an unfamiliar United back line this evening. Morgan Schneiderlin is only fit enough for the bench.
United team to face Bournemouth: De Gea; Varela, McNair, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson; Carrick, Fellaini; Lingard, Mata, Memphis; Martial
Subs: Romero, Jones, Tuanzebe, Young, Schneiderlin, Pereira, Powell.
There was little for Louis van Gaal to smile about at his press conference on Friday.
It is not so good because we have eight injured players because Darmian and also Smalling we can add to this list and Schweinsteiger is also suspended so that's nine players who are not able to play.
"Schneiderlin is coming back that's not a problem but we have a list of eight players injured and Rojo has been operated on this week and it takes a long time. These injuries are very heavy – [Luke] Shaw and [Antonio] Valencia have also been operated and that's our problem.
United are ravaged by injuries at the moment with Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian joining that list after picking up respective hamstring and groin injuries on Wednesday. All in all, Louis van Gaal is without nine players. Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are still not ready to return while Marcos Rojo has also joined long-term absentees Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw on the sidelines. Wayne Rooney is also still out with an ankle problem while Bastian Schweinsteiger is beginning a three-match man for violent conduct. The only positive is Morgan Schneiderlin is available again having recovered from a hip problem suffered against West Ham United.
As far as weeks go, Manchester United have had better ones. Seven days ago they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to West Ham United. Not a result that would usually prompt talk of a crisis, but given it was their fifth scoreless draw in nine games, the frustration after the result was palpable.
Three days later, United needed a win away in Germany to ensure they qualified for the knockout out stages of the Champions League. But a 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg confirmed what had felt inevitable ever since Louis van Gaal's side were held at home to PSV Eindhoven two weeks earlier; elimination and a spot in the Europa League.
For all the talk of discontent at the club and speculation over Louis van Gaal's future, United are still within three points of the top of the Premier League. They visit Bournemouth today and you feel if they are unable to unlock a defence that has conceded an average of two goals a match this season, those concerns will escalate.
Eddie Howe's side are expected to approach the match with the same bold approach that has won them admirers this season, but has also greatly contributed to place just below the relegation zone. But coming off the back of that sensational victory at Stamford Bridge, the Cherries will fancy another scalp against a weary United side.
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