Amorim’s team concedes the first goal for the sixth consecutive game

Manchester United’s weaknesses at set-pieces were again evident when Dean Huijsen gave Bournemouth the lead in the 30th minute at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Ryan Christie’s free kick found defender Huijsen at the far post, who headed over goalkeeper Andre Onana to put the Cherries on course for a fourth win of what would be a five-match unbeaten run.

“What a start for Bournemouth,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They could just throw it in, they didn’t have to do too much. “Dean Huijsen just looks at it and moves to the far top corner.”

Just a calm guy scoring at Old Trafford 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UnnyCpseIb

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024

Man United vs Bournemouth: Huijsen goal

Bournemouth got off to a good start before taking the lead, although United twice came close through Bruno Fernandes as half-time approached.

Kepa Arrizabalaga denied the United captain’s goal with a fine save, while the Portuguese playmaker sent another shot just wide.

United have conceded the first goal in each of their last six games under new manager Ruben Amorim, who left striker Marcus Rashford out of his matchday squad for the third game in a row.

Tottenham, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal scored the first goals in Amorim’s previous five games in charge.

Among the six changes from the 4-3 Carabao Cup final defeat to Tottenham on Thursday, Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack and full-back Tyrell Malacia makes his second league appearance of the season.

“It’s my decision, I want to see the best in my players” 💬

Ruben Amorim comments that Marcus Rashford was left out of the team 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dLiBMEPBA3

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024

first division table

The Red Devils started the day in 13th place but knew they could overtake Bournemouth with a second successive league win following their late 2-1 win at Manchester City the previous Sunday.

The Cherries, meanwhile, would move up to fifth place with three points, overtaking Aston Villa and defending champions Manchester City.

Coach Andoni Iraola decided to give midfielder Tyler Adams his fifth start in 10 league games since his return from a back injury in mid-October.

The US international replaced Lewis Cook as his team sought their third consecutive away victory, having won at Wolves and Ipswich Town.