Bournemouth vs Manchester United: 5 men who masterminded United's comeback

Manchester United travelled to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday to face high flying Bournemouth, who were 6th in the Premier League. United's record against the Cherries was impressive, having won 9 of the 14 games played and losing just 2. However, Bournemouth were a different side this year. They had won 6 of their 10 games so far and had only lost twice this season. Most importantly, the Cherries were unbeaten at home this time and it was clear that it would not be an easy task to secure anything away from Eddie Howe's side.

United, on the other hand, were on the rise. They had begun stringing in a few results together and were aiming to make it 3 wins in 4 games in the Premier League. Mourinho made just one change to the same team that edged past Everton last weekend, with fit-again Alexis Sanchez replacing the misfiring Marcus Rashford, who started from the bench.

United began the game well but were soon on the back foot against a high pressing and fast Bournemouth side. Keeping in with the flow of the game, the Cherries took the lead in the 11th minute through Callum Wilson. Anthony Martial equalized in the 35th minute and United rallied late in the second half to snatch 3 vital away points on the night, with Rashford getting the winner in the 92nd minute. The game was a fantastic example of the comeback spirit and never say die attitude that is associated with Manchester United, and we look at the 5 men who masterminded the comeback win and took United to 7th in the Premier League

#5 Ander Herrera

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League

Fred had been easily run over in the first half by the Bournemouth midfield. His desire to join the attack at every moment meant that United were overrun in the midfield and there was no one to cover for the out of form Matic. Pogba had to keep one eye on the middle and was cautious all the time, as a result. Mourinho sensed this and sent in Herrera to take over the proceedings and the Spaniard immediately brought a calmness to the middle that was missing.

His presence ensured that Matic found a bit of confidence, there was always someone to receive the ball. Herrera was very efficient in his covering and his defensive responsibilities and his intelligence was evident all through the field. He was aware of the position of his teammates and moved the ball very well. He also came close to scoring twice, with two long-distance efforts on goal. Herrera ran the strings from deep, which allowed Pogba to run free and impact the game from higher up. It was a strong performance from the Spaniard which, even though it did not turn too many eyes, was quietly effective and helped United rally for the winner. Herrera, with his efforts, will now be pushing for a first team start.

#4 Marcus Rashford

The Englishman had a run as the No. 9 last week against Everton, but was very poor. It saw him relegated to the bench at Vitality Stadium, and Alexis Sanchez was given a chance to impress instead. However, even though he did pick up an assist, the Chilean hardly did anything of note and as such, Rashford was called in to replace him in the 56th minute and rescue the game.

The young striker looked lively as always but missed a glorious opportunity to score with the goal at his mercy. He then had a chance to drive at the goal with Begovic at his mercy, giving Ake the slip in the middle of the park, but some slack controls allowed the defender to recover in time. It looked like another indifferent start was on the cards, until Marcus Rashford did what Marcus Rashford was sent to do.

Pogba churned a little room on the left side and sent in a lofted ball into the box in the 92nd minute. There was an initial chaos in the middle, but as the ball fell to Rashford, the striker had the sense of mind to wait for the right moment, before sending the ball home. It meant that his previous misses would not come back to haunt him, but more importantly, it was a boost of confidence that he desperately needed.

#3 Paul Pogba

You could have been forgiven to think that Paul Pogba was not on the pitch for the first 25 minutes. The Frenchman went missing for the majority of the first half and as a result, United missed that edge in their attacking play. However, it was Pogba, tracking back for over 70 yards and tackling Fraser in the 30th minute, who probably gave United the lift that was required.

As the game went on, Pogba grew in stature and started influencing the game, however, he was still unable to efficiently juggle between his defensive responsibilities and his attacking qualities. It has been the problem of the Frenchman this season, but he continued to influence the game especially in the second half. After Herrera’s inclusion, Pogba found the confidence to finally join the attack and it was his relentless spirit that completed the comeback.

He received the ball high up on the pitch in the left-hand side and despite having Anthony Martial to his right decided to go solo, giving Francis and Stanislas the slip with his clever feet. He carved a little space for himself and sent in a gorgeous ball that troubled Bournemouth and gave Rashford the chance to equalize, thus enabling United to complete the comeback.

#2 David De Gea

The reigning Golden Glove winner has been unlucky this season. David De Gea has registered only 1 clean sheet so far this season and you can hardly blame him for the goals that have gone in. In fact, had it not been for De Gea, United would probably been in deeper waters, as was evident against Bournemouth.

De Gea was called into action as early as the 4th minute, saving Fraser’s low shot with his legs to deny Bournemouth an early lead. It would be the first of many saves he had to make to keep United in the game, however, there was nothing he could do in the 11th minute when poor defending allowed Wilson to score. Bournemouth tried to increase the lead, but De Gea stood strong and ensured that United were not too far away from a comeback. The Spaniard made a crucial save just before the break, with the game poised at 1-1.

Early in the second half, De Gea brilliantly denied a clever flick from Brooks and in the 81st minute, stopped the Welshman again. Ultimately, his heroics were crucial for United to complete the comeback and win the game.

#1 Anthony Martial

Martial has now scored 5 goals from 8 games in the Premier League and has scored 5 goals in his last 4 games. The Frenchman is in the form of his life, indeed, it is the first time that Martial has scored in 4 consecutive games for Manchester United.

The French Striker has become a vital cog in the United machinery in the last few games and he brings a degree of unpredictability and daring that is desperately missing from the team right now. Against Bournemouth too, Martial was his normal self right from the start. He had the belief in himself and his abilities and he drew close attention from both Francis and Stanislas all through the game. He was ably supported by Luke Shaw, however, Bournemouth refused to give him space in his favourite area near the box. He was not allowed to cut back to his right, neither was he allowed the room to take a shot from the edge of the area. However, in the form that he is currently in, Bournemouth learned in the 35th minute that it was impossible to stop Anthony Martial.

As Sanchez broke away and combined with Young to burst into the box, Martial made a late run into the penalty area, giving his marker the slip and finding acres of space. The Chilean spotted his run well and drafted in an inch-perfect ball, which the Frenchman finished clinically. It was the perfect response to lift the mood of the players and it kick-started the comeback, as United went on to win the game in the dying minutes.

Edited by Vikshith R