It’s fair to say it’s been a strange week for Manchester United so far.
Manager Ruben Amorim made the bizarre decision to target youth players Harry Amas and Chido Obi in the build-up to the game against Bournemouth. The match then descended into chaos.
The Red Devils’ attack was excellent, scoring four goals through Amad, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.
But in the rear it was completely hopeless. Luke Shaw was bullied off the ball in the build-up to Antoine Semenyo’s first-half equalizer. The Cherries then fought back with a surprising 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s reaction to Man United’s draw
Given that there were 12 attempts on Bournemouth’s goal before United finally took the lead, Amorim’s side should have been out of sight before the Cherries had a chance to get back into the match.
The manager would have been happy with the way the goals were scored, but not with the overall performance.
“It was an enjoyable game for everyone at home, but if you look at the game you’ll think we conceded two points in the second half. I think we conceded two points in the first half. I think we should have scored more goals and I think we should have had a different result at half-time,” he said in a statement carried by PA media.
Amorim continued: “At that time it was similar to Nottingham (Forest, 2-2 draw in November). There we conceded two goals really early, but we managed to recover and regain the advantage. And we need to finish the game.”
The Portuguese made a tactical adjustment in the second half that sparked United’s comeback after conceding two quick-fire goals after half-time, but it was not talked about as United switched to a back four.
“That’s for you to discuss, not for me to discuss,” he said. “I’d like to say the same thing. We can play with the same players and it looks like one thing, but it’s another… You all know I trained with the back four this week. I don’t know how, but it’s a good thing for you all to talk about.”
Bournemouth players who terrorized United
Surprisingly, surprisingly, it was Semenyo who caused United’s most problems on the left flank. However, striker Evanilsson was always a nuisance to the likes of Lenny Yolo and Aiden Haven.
But perhaps the most outstanding player is midfielder Alex Scott. The English player was not initially selected in the starting XI. Tyler Adams, who has been linked with Man United, came on in his place. However, his audition lasted only a few minutes before he was injured and had to leave midway through.
The Scot left a strong impression on the game, with United personality Mark Goldbridge saying on social media during the match: “Sign this Scot. He looks like Prime Keane.”
Scott vs Manchester United | |
|---|---|
Play time (minutes) | 85 |
touch | 39 |
exact path | 19/26 (73%) |
shot | 2 |
dribbling success | 1/1 |
Contribution in defense | 5 |
Won a ground duel | 3/4 |
won an aerial battle | 2/3 |
Statistics by Sofascore. | |
Although the 22-year-old did not score or record an assist, he attracted attention with his overall play from the center of the park, winning five duels, completing his only dribble and converting two shots.
United have been linked with a number of midfielder signings in recent weeks, including Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson. However, Scott may be a cost-effective alternative.
As bad as the show: Manchester United star had his club’s worst game against Bournemouth
Manchester United were held to a frenetic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

