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Five battles Manchester United must win to beat Bournemouth

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo

Despite their fading Champions League aspirations, Manchester United's recent impressive performance against rivals Liverpool has injected fresh hope into their season.

As they gear up for a showdown against Bournemouth on Saturday evening, every battle counts in their quest to salvage pride and points.

However, Bournemouth are not to be taken lightly. Riding high on a wave of impressive form, they're eyeing a top-half finish.

And when the two teams met at Old Trafford in December, the Cherries picked up a stunning 3-0 victory over Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.

Here, Planet Sport’s Noah Ngcobo dissects the pivotal confrontations poised to shape Manchester United's encounter with Bournemouth, who are in the hunt for a league double.

 

Kobbie Mainoo vs Bournemouth’s midfield

In Manchester United's recent clash with Liverpool, Kobbie Mainoo showcased his prowess, single-handedly thwarting Liverpool's advances.

The young talent continues to dazzle with his tight dribbling and impeccable finesse in front of goal, making him a formidable threat in the attacking third.

It's rare to find a midfielder of his age who combines such aesthetic flair with ruthless efficiency, especially in a team struggling for possession.

With a low centre of gravity, a 360-degree range of movement and lightning-quick footwork, he effortlessly navigates past opponents, establishing himself as a standout performer despite his tender years.

He will soon turn 19, yet exudes a blend of maturity and confidence that belies his age.

Despite the scrutiny from all corners of the globe, he has taken it all in his stride, showcasing remarkable talent.

Mainoo's tally of two Premier League goals this season may seem modest, but in the annals of Manchester United's history, only Paul Scholes has managed more as a teenage central midfielder in a single campaign (5).

To be mentioned in the same breath as Scholes is no small feat, yet with many already heralding him as world-class, it may well be warranted.

Mainoo isn't fazed by the spotlight either. In a showdown with arch-rivals Liverpool, he displayed his prowess by engaging in nine ground duels, emerging victorious in eight, attempting and succeeding in five tackles, and ultimately delivering a sensational goal, a pivotal strike that secured Manchester United's second goal.

It was a moment of brilliance, underscoring his status as a special talent.

Notably, Mainoo etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player to score against Liverpool in Premier League history with that very goal.

This young phenom is poised for greatness, and his impact could be crucial in the battles that lie ahead for Manchester United against Bournemouth.

In the heart of the battle lies a generational talent awaiting its challenge. Bournemouth's midfield strength is epitomised by the double pivot of Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook.

Mainoo, the relentless force of Manchester United's midfield, must now set his sights on disrupting this formidable duo.

Under the watchful eye of manager Andoni Iraola, Christie and Cook have become the linchpins of the manager’s midfield engine.

Their seamless coordination and flair for quality football have been instrumental, showcasing their ability to dictate play so quickly under Iraola’s spell so far this season.

Cook's assist last time out against the Red Devils only underscores his pivotal role, leading the club in assists this season.

Furthermore, his dominance extends to interceptions, where he has the most at the club, closely followed in second place by the tenacious Christie.

The latter, known for his prowess in tackles, adds another layer of defensive resilience to Bournemouth's midfield. Christie leads the side for most tackles this season in the Premier League.

As Mainoo braces for battle, he faces a daunting task against this midfield duo renowned for their ball-winning abilities.

The clash promises to be nothing short of enthralling, as Mainoo’s drive meets the unyielding resilience of Christie and Cook.

 

Dominic Solanke vs Willy Kambwala

With just two goals in his last seven matches, Dominic Solanke is aiming to rediscover his lethal form from earlier this season as he has soared to fourth place in the Premier League's top scorers list with an impressive tally of 16 goals.

His resurgence is crucial not only for personal glory but also to solidify his chances of securing a spot in England's Euro squad this summer.

Armed with the fifth-highest shot count in the league, having fired off 90 shots this campaign, Solanke poses a significant threat that Man Utd's Willy Kambwala must neutralise.

Solanke's impact goes beyond mere statistics; he ranks among the top performers in the league in terms of goals or assists that either equalise or put his team ahead.

His goals aren't just consolation prizes; they often dictate the course of matches.

In fact, 15 out of his 16 goals this season have contributed to such crucial moments, including his opener in Bournemouth's 3-0 victory over Manchester United.

Facing Solanke is no easy task, especially for a young, spirited defender like Kambwala.

Despite his relative inexperience, Kambwala showcased his mettle with a stellar performance in the derby against Liverpool last week, prompting many to question why he hasn't featured more prominently throughout the season.

As Solanke seeks redemption and Kambwala aims to prove his worth, this battle promises to be a pivotal one in determining the outcome between Manchester United and Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old can grow into his role and stake a claim in the centre-back position, as the match against rivals Liverpool was only his second start of the season and first start at Old Trafford.

He has come into a team whose back four has constantly been changing due to injuries, making it difficult to build rhythm without a consistent centre back partnership.

He came in against Darwin Nunez, who athletically is a handful and chaotic, but Kambwala was able to keep the striker in check.

In a testament to his burgeoning talent, the academy graduate dominated every aspect of the game against Liverpool. He boasted a flawless record, winning 100% of his ground duels and tackles while orchestrating play with 29 completed passes.

His defensive acumen was on full display with three crucial clearances and two timely interceptions.

Now, as United gear up to face Bournemouth, this prodigious talent's mettle will be tested once again. The impending duel against Solanke promises to be a clash of titans, a battle eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike.  

 

Alejandro Garnacho v Milos Kerkez

Alejandro Garnacho has showcased remarkable growth this season, emerging as a pivotal force for Manchester United. His dynamic play has been instrumental in driving transitions and unleashing potent attacks.

With his blistering dribbling skills, he consistently carves out opportunities for both him and his team-mates, establishing himself as one of the Red Devils' most lethal weapons.

His relentless work rate and unwavering commitment to the badge epitomise the spirit of Manchester United, making him a strong contender for the club's Player of the Season title.

In the Premier League, the Argentine has been a standout performer, ranking second in assists for the club this season, further underscoring his impact on the team.

His recent milestone of 50 Premier League appearances at just 19 years old speaks volumes about his maturity and importance to the squad.

Facing off against him is Milos Kerkez, another rising star in the footballing world. Kerkez's inclusion among the 20 finalists for the prestigious Golden Boy award last year highlights his burgeoning talent.

As a left-back, his defensive prowess is remarkable, evident in his numerous interceptions and tackles across both halves of the pitch.

Leading the Premier League in tackles per 90 among full-backs, Kerkez presents a formidable challenge for Garnacho on the flank.

In the upcoming clash with Bournemouth, Garnacho's battle against Kerkez promises to be a compelling duel, showcasing two young talents vying for supremacy on the field.

It's a clash that could ultimately tip the scales in Manchester United's favour if Garnacho can overcome the defensive prowess of his opponent and continue his influential form.

 

Antoine Semenyo vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka

In the looming showdown with Bournemouth, the absence of Marcus Tavernier due to a hamstring injury suffered against Luton sets the stage for Antoine Semenyo to seize the spotlight on the wing.

Semenyo, a nominee for March's Premier League Player of the Month, proved instrumental in Bournemouth's unbeaten streak across four March fixtures.

His standout performance against Luton, rallying his team from a daunting 3-0 deficit to a thrilling 4-3 victory with two crucial goals, underscores his impact.

With three goals to his name during this run, Semenyo ranks second in Bournemouth's goal tally for the season, showcasing his attacking prowess.

His dynamic playstyle not only fuels his team's offensive transitions but also annoys opposition full-backs with his dribbling prowess, making him a constant nuisance.

Yet, Semenyo faces a formidable challenge in the form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the newly-deployed left-back for Manchester United.

Wan-Bissaka, renowned for his defensive prowess, embraces the physical battle with a tenacious approach, consistently thwarting opponents' advances with his impeccable tackling ability.

Semenyo's encounter with Wan-Bissaka promises to be a riveting clash of skill versus resilience, where neither player is likely to yield easily.

 

Rasmus Hojlund vs Illia Zabarnyi

In recent outings, Manchester United fans have been eagerly awaiting a resurgence from Rasmus Hojlund, yet the Danish sensation appears to have hit a bump in the road.

Fans empathise with his plight as he is isolated up front; it's undoubtedly a difficult task for a player of his youth to spearhead an attack that often struggles to carve out opportunities.

Nevertheless, there's a prevailing sentiment that he could contribute more to the cause.

It's evident that Hojlund throws himself into every battle, relentlessly chasing down every ball and grappling with defenders who tower over him, epitomised by his recent duel with the formidable Virgil van Dijk.

With this, what ends up happening is that this sees him exhaust himself prematurely, leaving him spent as the game progresses. These traits are typical of young forwards, yet there's room for refinement.

To elevate his game, Hojlund must expand his repertoire by dropping deeper, seeking more touches, drift wide and simply improve on his involvement in the game.

The youngster still needs to grow into his body and hone in on his spatial awareness on the pitch. It's imperative for him to recognise when to conserve energy and when to unleash himself. 

Too often, he ends up wasting his energy, and this is evident when the ball comes into him, as he is too exhausted to get his foot around it.

In Hojlund's recent encounter against Liverpool, he managed only 21 touches and lost the ball eight times, equating to a possession loss rate of nearly 40%.

Despite this, he aims to recapture the form that earned him the Premier League Player of the Month title for February before his injury setback. Perhaps this match could serve as his platform for redemption.

However, reigniting his scoring prowess won't come easy, especially with the formidable presence of centre-back Illia Zabarnyi awaiting him.

Zabarnyi has been a defensive stalwart for Bournemouth, boasting remarkable statistics this season. He leads the club in blocks and clearances, with an astounding 117 clearances, surpassing the runner-up by 37 clearances.

Additionally, he tops the charts for headed clearances and ranks second in aerial duels won, third in successful tackles, and third in interceptions among Bournemouth players in the Premier League.

These impressive numbers underscore Zabarnyi's pivotal role in bolstering Bournemouth's defence, solidifying his status as a linchpin in Andoni Iraola's lineup.

Thus, United must prevail in this crucial battle if they aspire to overcome Bournemouth. However, thwarting such a formidable centre-back presents a daunting challenge for Hojlund.

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