There was no delay this time as Manchester United coasted to an easy win against Bournemouth as they sealed their berth in the Europa League next season. Ahead of what is their biggest fixture under Louis Van Gaal (and the final game, perhaps?) on Saturday, it was surprising to see the Dutchman field a strong eleven consisting of Martial, Rashford et al. Rooney started in his new role in midfield alongside Michael Carrick and did put in, what was arguably his best performance of the campaign as he accustoms to the much deeper position – with the responsibility to control the game and dictate the tempo.
The skipper certainly did that on Tuesday as United made a slow start to the game – but grew into it after about half an hour – and scored a beautifully worked opening goal in the 42nd minute – with Martial and Rashford combining to find Rooney unmarked inside the box – who only had to feather the ball in which would be his 245th goal for United in all competitions and the 100th goal at Old Trafford. Not a bad time to write himself into the history books, Rooney was able to move all over the pitch, exert his influence – with him being at the centre of every attacking move that United made on the day.
The home side started better, and definitely more energetic, in the second half to the point where they attempted five shots on goal in as many minutes, something that has been rarely witnessed at the theatre of dreams this campaign. United frequently tested the opposition keeper, notably Michael Carrick, when he attempted a fizzing shot from long range, which would have been a fairy-tale goal in what is widely speculated to be his final game at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.
A legitimate penalty shout by Mata was denied by referee Jon Moss but they soon doubled the lead when Rooney created a wonderful opportunity through a well-threaded lofted ball to Antonio Valencia who in turn headed it back to the feet of Rashford as the 18-year old capped a fine performance with his 8th goal in 17 appearances. A third goal followed as Manchester United widened the gap on the scoreboard with Rooney again, lobbed the ball over the entire Bournemouth back four, finding Ashley Young, who scored his first and the club’s 49th and last goal of the campaign. Little did Bournemouth’s goal prevent a change in the outcome although it denied David De Gea a golden glove to top his already stellar season, on a personal level.
A lap of honour followed that saw Louis van Gaal address the crowd to a mixed response, claiming that he wanted to ‘bring home’ the FA Cup for the supporters who, according to him, have been warm to him and given him their approval to continue into the next season. He said,
“I want to say something on behalf of my players and my staff and myself. I want to thank you for the unconditional support. Wherever we have played, however we have played, and however things have gone on the field – you never let us down. Thank you for that. And we want to bring the FA Cup home to you, because you deserve it, more than any other club’s fans.”
United, ultimately, fell short in a season where the expectations were only to mount a credible title challenge and win some silverware to go with it. Despite the fact that they could do still the latter, a combination of elements like the tepid style of play, serious lack of goals and chance creation, questionable tactics and team selections by Van Gaal culminated in a poor league finish – fifth and losing out the final Champions League spot by goal difference epitomizing the fact that they simply needed to score more goals.
