Premier League 2019-20: 3 reasons behind Manchester United's 0-1 defeat against Bournemouth

2. Dour and effective defending by Bournemouth

Bournemouth looked desperate to earn at least a point from the very beginning of the match, and did not allow United much free space in the middle third. They defended deep and thwarted many moves by United with timely interceptions and interventions.

Centre-back Steve Cook was brilliant yesterday, and stopped many United moves with tough tackles and robust challenges. He saw a yellow card because of a harsh tackle, but ultimately succeeded in his objective as United failed to find the net.

However, it must also be mentioned that United could not make enough penetrations into the penalty box in the first half. The likes of Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira tried to test the Bournemouth goalkeeper from outside the penalty box, which wasn't good enough.

The Bournemouth goalie made some crucial saves, and their defenders put their bodies on the line line in order to block the shots by United. The home team’s dour and brave defending did prevented United from opening the floodgates.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Musab Abid