Manchester United vs Bournemouth, 5 Key Talking Points

Score: Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth

Goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku, header off Juan Mata ball

Manchester United avoided a second straight slip-up against Bournemouth at home with Romelu Lukaku bagging a much-needed goal to provide himself, his manager, and his side some respite after the electric derby last Sunday.

Here then, are the five main talking points from the 1-0 win:

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#5 Manchester United win despite not moving out of 1st gear

The weather was horrible, United's performance just a notch better

Every single time Paul Pogba doesn't play, he's a talking point, isn't he? And for good reason.

Without their flamboyant French talisman, United looked dull and insipid - save for moments of isolated inspiration from Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, and Romelu Lukaku.

On the night, they won without ever really moving out of 1st gear, the entire team going through the motion and as welcome as it was to see Luke Shaw come back into the Premier League with such aplomb... and watch young Scott McTominay ping the ball around with such confidence, the sense of frustration around Old Trafford at the lack of attacking nous from their side was palpable.

#4 Harry Arter's return to form a boost for the Cherries

Harry Arter plows into Jesse Lingard

For a team that prides itself on the slickness of their football, Harry Arter has always been a vital, underrated, part of the way they function.

That Bournemouth's early season dip, and run of awful results, coincided with the fact that Arter was injured cannot be overlooked and with the return of their midfield general, the Cherries have put together a decent enough run of results over the past two months.

Against United, his relentless running, incessant tackling and general drive allowed Bournemouth to keep moving forward while never allowing any of United's attacking footballers to settle.

#3 If Phil Jones can remain fit, he'll be a shoo-in for Gareth Southgate's XI

Phil Jones bullies Callum Wilson off the ball

As good as it was to see Luke Shaw return to the playing XI at United, it was the return of Phil Jones that could arguably have a greater impact on their season... and maybe even England's chances in Russia.

He picked up where he'd left off before his injury lay-off, intercepting balls, putting in his trademark blood-and-thunder tackles, and generally walking around being the best defender on the park. He may never live up to the hype that Sir Alex Ferguson gave him when he was signed by United, but if he can (and this is a big IF) keep himself fit, there are very defenders in the league who can claim to be better than him.

#2 Bournemouth back to playing some of the prettiest football in the league

Despite the adverse conditions, the Cherries put on quite a show

After that early season blip we've already touched upon, Bournemouth have done well to climb out of the danger zone and clamber onto the relative safety of 14th in the league.

Where Eddie Howe deserves credit, though, is in sticking to the philosophy that got him, and his club, to the position they find themselves in - playing the ball out of the back, moving it quickly around the park and attacking with pace, intent, and directness.

On the night, between Asmir Begovic and David de Gea, the United goalkeeper was by far the busier of the two, needing to be on his toes throughout the 90 minutes as the Cherries sent in wave after wave of attack.

Keep playing with this verve and spirit and safety should come sooner rather than later.

#1 Romelu Lukaku needed that goal more than he let on

Lukaku's celebrations were rather muted

After a farcical derby for the big Belgian - reportedly also engaged in the punchbags inside the dressing room/tunnel - he needed a goal to boost his confidence... and non-existent celebration notwithstanding, this would have done him the world of good.

Romelu Lukaku has scored with each of his last five shots against Bournemouth in the Premier League.???????? for Everton?? for Man Utd pic.twitter.com/PB06Bc0Gzn

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 13, 2017

What stood out, though, even more than the goal was Lukaku's complete dedication to the cause, chasing lost causes, constantly running in behind defences, chasing and harrying the opposition and generally putting in the kind of shift any fan loves to see.

He may not be the most complete striker out there, and he certainly needs to up his game against the big boys, but he is still just 24 - and if he keeps working on his game with the kind of dedication he showed today, it won't be long before the number of critics starts dwindling fast.