Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Five things we learned from the hosts' narrow victory over the Cherries

Romelu Lukaku's first-half header proved to be the difference for Jose Mourinho's side

Romelu Lukaku celebrates with his teammates after putting United ahead (Getty)

Mourinho rings the changes

Jose Mourinho deployed an attacking line-up at the weekend – not that the football on offer suggested so – but the United manager opted for something different for tonight’s clash at Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay was notably brought into the fray as he continues to make a name for himself under the eye of the Portuguese. This was his sixth appearance of the season and his first league start. Ander Herrera, too, was dropped in place of Juan Mata. The motivation behind such rotation? Maybe Mourinho was making a point to those players who he felt underwhelmed in the Manchester derby. Alternatively, it could have been a move to encourage competitiveness in his squad and elicit a response after the weekend’s defeat. Regardless, it was still a performance found wanting. While Manchester City continue to breeze their way to the title, United remain unable to assert themselves against sides like Bournemouth.

Shaw in the shop window

Luke Shaw was one of those players brought into the much-changed starting XI but whether or not Mourinho was looking to hand the youngster a chance to prove himself remains unclear. Despite the manager’s insistence to the contrary, Shaw’s future at Old Trafford is in doubt. The full-back has slipped down the pecking order and any chance of breaking into the side seems blocked by the in-form Ashely Young. In reality, it’s likely his inclusion tonight was more an opportunity to sell Shaw to potential bidders in the January transfer window. Mourinho himself said the defender is now fully fit and tonight’s clash was a chance to prove that.

Whether or not he did himself any favours remains to be seen. He notably dived in on Ryan Gosling early on only for the Bournemouth player to skip past him with ease before firing a shot on goal. In contrast, he enjoyed moments of genuine ability going forward down the left flank and appeared unafraid to take opponents on. It seems, then, that this was nothing but jumped-up window shopping.

Luke Shaw in action for United (Getty)

Lukaku makes his point?

It’s safe to say Romelu Lukaku has received his fair share of flak in recent weeks, having struggled to show the sort of form expected from a £75m forward. His contributions in the Manchester derby were laughable, playing an unwanted role in both of City’s two goals. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic back from injury, fans have called for Mourinho to drop Lukaku in place of the veteran but the United manager has, so far, stood by the Belgian.

Which is why tonight’s goal was so important for the forward. Rising highest to meet a Juan Mata cross, Lukaku got above Nathan Ake to guide the ball into the top-right corner. It was a poacher’s goal and showcased his threat and abilities from inside opposition penalty areas. As a whole, it was an encouraging night for the forward, who put in a shift and notably set up Anthony Martial for a second, only for the Frenchman to sky his effort into the stand behind. Nonetheless, this was the point Lukaku needed to make and, hopefully in ending his league draught, the forward can now go on to rediscover the goal-scoring form that marked his early displays. If not, he’s at risk of being known exclusively as a flat-track bully.

Romelu Lukaku heads home for the hosts (Getty)

De Gea reaffirms his quality

That David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the league is no secret. Once again he reaffirmed his abilities in between the sticks tonight, playing a key role in keeping Bournemouth at bay when they were handed a chance on goal. After Shaw’s early lapse in concentration, the Spaniard was on hand to parry away Gosling’s shot on goal and did the same with Stanislas’ shot on goal in the first half. Similarly, he showcased his ability to react to the unexpected after Francis tried his luck with a probing and testing shot from the left flank that looked to have caught United off-guard. De Gea, though, reacted well to push the effort away. Another solid night for the ‘keeper who is consolidating his status as one of the game’s best with each passing month.

Bournemouth fail to take their chances

A trip to Old Trafford is no easy task - which is why a team like Bournemouth must take their chances when they arise. There's no doubt that the Cherries were passengers in this game as United tried their best to wrap up victory after pulling ahead through Lukaku but, especially in the opening stages of the game, Eddie Howe's men enjoyed a number of goal-scoring opportunities. Gosling had the chance to put his side ahead after skipping past Shaw while Stanislas similarly could have nabbed an opener for Bournemouth on the half-hour mark. The second half made for a very different story with United largely dominating possession, though the visitors still enjoyed a late spell to make the hosts sweat. However, if Bournemouth are to pick up points against teams of United's calibre, they must be more ruthless in front of goal.