Scorers: Junior Stanislas (16’), Greenwood (28’), Rashford (Pen, 35’) Martial (46’) Joshua King (Pen, 49’) Greenwood (54’) Bruno Fernandes (58’)

Assist: Bruno Fernandes (28’, 46’), Nemanja Matic (54’)

1.United win again, but make no mistake – Bruno Fernandes is the heart of it.

What a difference one signing has made. Just 8 months ago, Manchester United found it difficult to beat teams that sat deep. Even with Paul Pogba in the ranks, United were often poor, sluggish and void of ideas against such teams, especially after said teams took the lead. Now, they are able to unlock defences with the brilliance of Bruno Fernandes complimented by Paul Pogba. It was both his passes that he received near the final third that found both Greenwood and Martial. He further capped this with an exceptional freekick just outside of the 18 yard box that the outstretched Aaron Ramsdale could not do anything about.

His reported attitude that has galvanized a squad lacking leadership is showing since his arrival – always expecting the best from everyone around him and it is showing on the field. Earlier in the season, with the likes of Lingard, Peirera and Pogba in midfield, the atmosphere seemed doom and gloom the moment they concede a goal. But against The Cherries, despite conceding a poor goal, the sense on the field is that United will find a goal. This was what was expected from Pogba. Instead, it is the less glamourous but equally impressive Bruno Fernandes that has brought leadership to this United team. His ability to always be available and bring his team mates into play is the difference that he brings on the field.

Where would Manchester United be if Bruno Fernandes was not brought in? As of now, Ole and the Manchester United faithful would pray that their new found tandem of Bruno and Pogba would keep fit, especially their Portuguese talisman.

2. De Gea’s form is questionable, Greenwood shines as United continue to impress.

David De Gea’s form has been questioned since his horror show back in the 2018 world cup. Over the last 18 months he has made some high level gaffes that further throws his ability into question. At first it was put down to a distraction due to his contract situation. At that point, he had more than enough credit in his bank to justify that it may have been a blip in form. Fast forward into 2020, being beaten at the near post by Junior Stanislas is something that, De Gea who single handedly carried a poor United team, is something that is more than alarming. It would be unthinkable back then for him to concede such a goal, but it’s more than become a habit now. Just what is causing this dip in form – only De Gea knows. The question know turns to what should Ole do. On one hand, he has a goalkeeper who has earned his reputation but seems suspect at times. On the other, he has an on loan keeper in Dean Henderson who has shined at his time in Sheffield United. The summer would bring questions that Ole has been placed to answer.

Mason Greenwood is simply shining at the moment. 2 goals of unerring confidence and power has seen his stock rise even more and his place in that attacking trident is secured. The first was reminiscent of what Robin Van Persie would have done, the first touch with his left foot set him up beautifully and allow his second to generate power that beats the keeper. His second, showed his skill and fleet footedness, selling 2 feints before smashing home with his right foot. Greenwood is no flash in the pan with his finishes so far showing the natural talent of a predatory striker.  

With Marital picking up a goal of brilliance by curling it far post in a thunderous effort and Rashford dispatching a goal from the spot, Manchester United have been in impressive form since the restart of the COVID break.

What they do in the summer would be critical because this is a team that needs quality in depth and a few more signings that fit into the team to truly be challengers for the title. The rumoured signing of Jadon Sancho will bring excitement, but more critically, having a cover for the inspirational Bruno Fernandes is the difference between United making steps forward and them undoing all of their good work.

3.Relegation all but certain for the Cherries.

With 5 games to play and 3 of those against the top half, Bournemouth are most likely heading back to the Championship with Norwich City. Games against Leicester, Man City and Spurs lie in the coming weeks, it is highly unlikely they would survive. Just 4 seasons ago, Eddie Howe guided them to their highest finish of 9th in the table, but now they look to end their Premier League journey after degradation in their league position since their high in the 2016/17 season.

They took a surprise lead from Junior Stanislas who nutmegs Harry Maguire in the penalty box and smashed it home in the near post that beat De Gea with ease, but for much of the first half, they had little to offer going forward and were just kept in their final third with Man United simply pressuring them into submission.

Once lauded as a surprise package in the league, this team looks to have regressed and look short on ideas. Though they still look as though they have potential in their counter, it is the worst period for them to be on a losing streak. Winless in 5 and with the aforementioned games ahead, their journey in top flight English football ends in 2020.

Written by: Baz