Manchester United’s crisis deepened on Sunday as a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth intensified the pressure on manager Michael Carrick and raised fresh doubts over his future at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s decision to drop captain Bruno Fernandes backfired spectacularly, as United extended their winless run to eight games and slipped to 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
Bournemouth secured their third 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in four seasons, with Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson all finding the net in a commanding performance for Marco Rose’s side.
Fernandes had criticised Carrick’s tactics following Wednesday’s 4-1 thrashing by Champions League debutants Como. Although the United manager insisted his decision to bench last season’s Premier League Player of the Year was based purely on footballing reasons, the midfielder remained an unused substitute throughout Sunday’s defeat.
Carrick was taunted by Bournemouth supporters, who chanted, “You’re getting sacked in the morning” as United endured another miserable afternoon.
Yet another managerial dismissal may do little to solve the deeper problems at a club that has struggled to recapture its former glory since Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago.
A strong finish to last season under Carrick’s interim leadership secured third place in the Premier League, although United benefited from having no European or domestic cup commitments. This season, they have managed just two victories in 12 matches across all competitions, against newly promoted Ipswich and Azerbaijani side Sabah.
Bournemouth began the day below United in the standings after a difficult start under Rose. However, just three days after thrashing AC Milan 3-0, they delivered another emphatic performance against one of European football’s traditional heavyweights.
Rayan broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, connecting superbly with Justin Kluivert’s free-kick to put the visitors ahead.
The hosts’ troubles worsened five minutes later when Leny Yoro stumbled under pressure from Adrien Truffert. The Bournemouth full-back capitalised on the defensive error before squaring the ball for Tavernier to tap into an empty net.
Many expected Fernandes to enter the fray at half-time, but the United captain remained on the bench as his side struggled to mount a response.
Evanilson briefly thought he had extended Bournemouth’s lead within a minute of the restart, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
The reprieve proved temporary, however, as Bournemouth continued to exploit United’s defensive frailties. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens denied Rayan before the Brazilian winger raced past Lisandro Martinez and fired narrowly wide.
Evanilson eventually made it 3-0 with 20 minutes remaining, rounding Lammens before curling an exquisite finish into the net from a tight angle.
As the final minutes ticked away, frustrated United supporters directed their anger towards the club’s unpopular owners, the Glazer family, rather than the manager.
Carrick applauded the Stretford End and placed a hand on his chest as he headed down the tunnel, but his future remains uncertain after another damaging defeat for the 20-time English champions.
AFP
