Manchester United crumbled to a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United came into the game hoping to build on Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea but fell behind to Dominic Solanke’s fifth-minute opener before capitulating in the second half.
Andoni Iraola’s in-form side extended their lead through substitute Philip Billing’s header and Manchester United’s afternoon got worse when Marcos Senesi nodded in the visitors’ third from a corner.
Manchester United’s shambolic defensive display was compounded by a limp effort in attack as they registered only three shots on target, with the home fans loudly booing their seventh Premier League defeat of the season at the final whistle.
United must beat Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday, December 12, and hope Galatasaray draw at FC Copenhagen to qualify out of Group A in the Champions League.
Erik ten Hag’s side then visit Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, December 17.
READ ALSO: Premier League: Man City thrash Bournemouth 6-1 as United beat Fulham
Bournemouth, however, host relegation rivals Luton on Saturday December 16.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah scored his 200th goal for Liverpool before Harvey Elliott’s last-gasp winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace that sent the Reds to the top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were in danger of a damaging defeat in the title race after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty put Palace ahead in the second half at Selhurst Park.
But Palace’s Jordan Ayew was sent off with 15 minutes left and Liverpool took full advantage to erase a previously spluttering performance with a blistering finale.
Salah’s 14th goal this term made him the fifth player to score 200 for Liverpool in all competitions after Ian Rush (346), Roger Hunt (285), Gordon Hodgson (241), and Billy Liddell (228).
In his 247th Premier League appearance, the Egypt star also reached 150 goals in the competition, including two scored for Chelsea, putting him in the all-time top-10 list level alongside Michael Owen.
Despite Salah’s landmark, a point would have been a disappointing result for Liverpool, but young midfielder Elliott came off the bench to seal the points in stoppage time.
Liverpool’s third successive league win moved them one point above second-placed Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ trip to third-placed Aston Villa later on Saturday.
With home games against Manchester United and Arsenal looming before Christmas, the Reds have a golden opportunity to cement their title credentials heading into the new year.
- Police arrest masterminds of Abuja-Kaduna train attack - May 2, 2024
- NLC: How we arrived at N615,000 new minimum wage demand - May 2, 2024
- Newcastle’s Tonali bags two-month ban for betting - May 2, 2024
