Bournemouth halt Manchester United's momentum with victory at rain-soaked Vitality

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:19 am

Manchester United's improved run of form ended on Saturday as Bournemouth defeated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side 1-0 in a rain-drenched Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium.

United, who were unchanged from their 3-1 win against Norwich despite apparent injury concerns throughout the week, fell behind on the stroke of half-time as Bournemouth's Josh King netted with a fine finish from eight yards out.

The striker chested down the ball in the visitors' box before flicking it over the head of United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and volleying under goalkeeper David De Gea.

Manchester United manager Solskjaer speaking to BT Sport after the game, said: "We are disappointed but when you come to places like this you have to take control of the game. We did not and we could not get the goal. We were missing some quality at times. Maybe I should have started something others. I think we started the game well though so maybe that was not the case. We have to win games like this. We are disappointed. We have to look forward now though.

"The first goal was always going to be important. Every time you concede a goal it is bad but we are disappointed with this. We had time to tackle on a couple of occasions. You have to say it was a bit of magic that won the game."

Bournemouth were the slicker side for much of the second half and De Gea was forced to prevent Harry Wilson from doubling the Cherries' lead on 74 minutes, stretching to tip the Liverpool loanee's shot around the post.

United went close through substitute Mason Greenwood with 10 minutes remaining as they increased the pressure, but they were unable to find an equaliser as Eddie Howe's players earned a first victory since Sept. 20.

Prior to kickoff, United had won their last three matches -- including a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea at Stamford bridge on Wednesday -- and were unbeaten in four since losing 1-0 at Newcastle on Oct. 6.

Bournemouth -- captained by Steve Cook in the defender's 150th Premier League appearance -- provisionally moved up to sixth in the table with the win, overtaking United, who dropped to eighth ahead of the rest of the day's games.