Manchester United defeated Bournemouth 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, after Casemiro’s amazing acrobatic volley, moving them one step closer to playing in the Champions League next year.
United improved to 69 points and is now in fourth place in the standings, trailing Newcastle United only on goal differential. To guarantee a return to European club soccer’s most prestigious competition, United needs one point from home games against Chelsea and Fulham the following week.
On the last day, fifth-placed Liverpool, who are on 66 points following a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, take on relegated Southampton.
The visitors took control of the early play and took the lead in the ninth minute when Cherries defender Marcos Senesi attempted to deflect a pass from Christian Eriksen behind the defense but only managed to set up Casemiro for a stunning spinning volley.
Dominic Solanke handled a long ball into the box in the middle of the first half and fired a shot, which David De Gea had to stop by diving to his left.
Victor Lindelof was forced into several defensive headers as a result, which gave Bournemouth a brief period of momentum. However, as soon as United regained control in the second half, Bournemouth found themselves back on the losing end.
While midfielder Bruno Fernandes and substitute Wout Weghorst both forced excellent saves from Neto and it appeared as though another goal for United was imminent, winger Antony squandered a series of good opportunities.
When replacement Kieffer Moore charged at De Gea late in the game, the danger was avoided by the goalkeeper blocking Moore’s effort. They almost paid for their sloppy finishing.
Senesi’s shot went just over the crossbar with time running out for the home team, but United managed to hold on to win, setting off raucous celebrations from the visiting fans.
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