It’s safe to say this has been a strange old week for Manchester United so far.
Manager Ruben Amorim took the bizarre decision to take aim at youth players Harry Amass and Chido Obi in the build-up to the game against Bournemouth. That game then ensued into chaos.
The Red Devils looked incredible in attack, scoring four goals through Amad, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.
Yet, at the back, they were utterly hopeless. Luke Shaw was bullied off the ball in the build-up to Antoine Semenyo’s first-half equaliser. The Cherries then fought back in what was a remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.
How Amorim reacted to Man United’s draw
Considering that United had 12 attempts at the Bournemouth goal before they finally opened the scoring, Amorim’s side should have been out of sight before the Cherries even had a chance to get back into proceedings.
While the manager will have been pleased with the way in which they scored, he wasn’t happy with the overall display.
In quotes relayed by PA Media, he said: “It was a fun game for everyone at home but if you look at the game you can think we lost the two points in the second half. I think we lost the two points in the first half. I think we should have more goals, we should have a different result at half-time.”
Amorim continued: “It was then similar to Nottingham (Forest, a 2-2 draw in November) where we suffered two goals really fast but we managed to get back to take the advantage and then we need to close the game out.”
The Portuguese made a tactical tweak in the second half that inspired United’s comeback after conceding two quick fire goals after half time but would not be drawn into talking about as United switched to a back four.
“That is for you to discuss, not for me,” he said. “I will say the same thing – you can play with the same players and it looks like one thing (but) is another thing… I know you guys know that I trained this week with the back four. I don’t know how but that is a good thing for you guys to discuss.”
The Bournemouth players who terrorised United
Surprise, surprise, it was Semenyo who caused plenty of problems for United down their left-hand side. That said, striker Evanilson was a constant nuisance to the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Perhaps the most standout player, however, was midfielder Alex Scott. The Englishman wasn’t initially named in the starting lineup. Tyler Adams – linked with Man United – was instead. However, his audition only lasted a matter of minutes before he went off with an injury.
Scott made a lasting impression on the game with United personality Mark Goldbridge taking to social media during the game to say: “Sign this Scott up. He looks like prime Keane.”
|
Scott vs Man Utd |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
85 |
|
Touches |
39 |
|
Accurate passes |
19/26 (73%) |
|
Shots |
2 |
|
Successful dribbles |
1/1 |
|
Defensive contributions |
5 |
|
Ground duels won |
3/4 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2/3 |
|
Stats via Sofascore. |
|
While the 22-year-old didn’t score or register an assist, he caught the eye with his overall play from the middle of the park, winning five duels, completing his one and only dribble and amassing two shots.
United have been linked with a host of midfielders in recent weeks including the likes of Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Scott, however, could be a cost-effective alternative.
As bad as Shaw: Man Utd star had his worst game for the club vs Bournemouth
Manchester United drew again at Old Trafford in a frantic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
