Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Manchester United go into Today’s encounter with Bournemouth knowing that it’s win or bust in terms of Champions League qualification but not only that they have to hope that results go their way in South Wales with cross town rivals Manchester City needed to lose to Swansea
After Manchester City’s draw at home to Arsenal last Sunday it meant that a Top 4 spot was in their own hands what with them having a game in hand still to play. But for them to take full advantage of that situation they would have had to beaten West Ham on Tuesday night.
With them losing 3-2 to Slaven Bilic’s side the Upton Park farewell party it now means that they have lost control of their own destiny are now reliant of results going their way. It’s been symptomatic of United’s season though, you just think they are making solid progress but they can never seem to cross that line to push on. Too many times it’s been 1 step forward and 2 step back for Louis Van Gaal’s side
What would have been more frustrating is the fact that they were 2-1 up on Tuesday and they conspired to throw away all 3 points due to goals from Michail Antonio and Winston Reid. That coupled with their team coach getting smashed up on the way to the game and it wasn’t a particularly good evening in East London for the red half of Manchester.
They play host to a Bournemouth side who it’s fair to say since securing Premier League survival in their debut season have pretty much been going through the motions. But that’s not to take anything away from Eddie Howe and his players achievements this campaign they have exceeded exceptions and thoroughly deserve to take the foot off the gas after their efforts this season.
Let’s not forget they beat United at the Vitality Stadium 3-0 earlier in the season, that Evening saw an incredibly patched up United side but you also have to give credit to Van Gaal for giving youth their chance. Although at times it’s been more down to the fact that he hasn’t had a choice but when you have players like Marcus Rashford coming through and performing how he has been it’s fair to say it’s shown some dividends
Unfortunately for Bournemouth I don’t think that there is going to be a repeat of that famous night on the South Coast earlier in the season. I think United will win but unfortunately for them I don’t think it will be enough to snatch a Top 4 place, the Europa League awaits but does it await Van Gaal?
Papa Johns – If your team scores twice then it’s half price
