Peter Neil Bell's Blog: Cherry Chimes, page 58

Rival Lines: AFCB need to tackle Europe's most prolific dribbler!

Rival Lines
Match Preview
Newcastle Utd v AFCB
Blogger Interview: NUFC Blog The Talk of the Toon
Twitter: @NUFCBlog


I spoke with Olly this week at NUFC Blog a leading Newcastle United blog. I wanted to see how things were now under Steve Bruce and if the fans were getting down to watching to football and if they had a strong opinion about any of the new players.

CC: What have you made to Steve Bruce's start to the season - is he beginning to win fans over?

NUFC: It's been worrying at times, with us often leaving our new £40m striker far too isolated and lacking a real threat in the final third as a result, but results over the past few weeks have picked up. I'm still disappointed by his appointment and worry for us this season, but am encouraged by the fact we've steadied the ship with two wins, one draw and one loss at Chelsea in our last four.

CC: Last time out Newcastle went into a 0-3 win against West Ham and the game looked over, so how concerning is it that the Hammers scored twice late on?

NUFC: It was more the fact we failed to finish our chances to put the game completely out of sight - although I was very encouraged to finally see us create and score more than once for the first time this season! That said, it is a slight worry that we made hard work of a game we should've won by three or four, with us clinging on in the end despite a completely abject display from West Ham in all areas of the pitch. We can't afford to be so wasteful at both ends on Saturday.

Online-Bookies.org.ukCC: Allan-Saint Maxim was remarkably quick against West Ham. Has it taken him a while to get up to speed in the Premier League?

NUFC: He is a real livewire and tore Pablo Zabaleta to shreds on Saturday, so he's a real one to watch for you this weekend. I hope your right-back is ready as he'll be coming up against Europe's most prolific dribbler according to the stats!

He's settled into life on Tyneside brilliantly, but it must be said that a hamstring injury made for a stuttering start to his season. Thankfully, he's come through our last few games unscathed and looks a huge threat - although he must improve his final ball, with him wasting a few big one-on-ones at West Ham.

CC: I hear Matt Ritchie is out with an ankle injury that he had operated on. Is he a big miss for Newcastle United these days?

NUFC:  Luckily, Dutch loanee Jetro Willems has come in and played superbly in Ritchie's absence, meaning he may struggle to get back into the side when fully fit. That said, his energy, passion and commitment to the cause is absolutely outstanding and has been missed at times. He isn't the most talented of players, but he's a fan favourite for his drive and determination alone.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!CC: Selling Ayoze Perez to Leicester must have gone down pretty badly with Newcastle fans, I'm guessing - signs of no ambition - perhaps?

NUFC: It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Leicester's ambition on and off the pitch over the past few seasons proves exactly why he was right to join them, sadly. He was a streaky player who'd go missing at times then suddenly fire in five goals in four games, but he always worked hard, chipped in with vital goals and flourished under Rafa Benitez's guidance over the past two years.

CC: JonJo Shelvey appears to be back to his best. Do you think he is playing his best football at the moment at Newcastle?

NUFC: He was back to his best last Saturday, but that was a rare start for him these days and the sort of performance that has been few and far between during his Newcastle career in recent years. He has bags of ability and stunning technique at times, but consistency and his work ethic off the ball has always been the big issue. The true test will be seeing if he can put in a repeat performance on Saturday, with him almost certain to start with Sean Longstaff suspended.


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CC: Newcastle have played many of the big teams so do you have a false league position and that the team can start picking up points more rapidly now with the next round of fixtures?

NUFC: You're right, we have played several top six sides this season and are set to face several more 'winnable' games between now and Christmas, however it's worth nothing that we've beaten Man Utd and Spurs but failed to win any of our games against Norwich, Brighton, Watford and Wolves so far. No disrespect, but Saturday's game will be a test of our ability to win against a beatable side at St James' Park.

CC: Having beaten Spurs and Man Utd, Newcastle seem to get up for the big games. So is it more of a worry when you have a team like AFC Bournemouth coming to your ground?

NUFC: Definitely. It's almost like we don't know how to approach a game where we are expected to be on the front foot, where as we thrive against 'bigger' sides, being better when we sit back, absorb pressure and then hit teams on the counter.

That said, we'll be motivated to come away with another win on Saturday and keep the momentum going after by far our best attacking display of the season at West Ham last time out.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!CC: Only Watford have scored fewer goals than Newcastle - is that because Steve Bruce stets up too defensively?

NUFC: At times yes, without a doubt. Joelinton has been far too isolated for the vast majority of this season, however our transfer policy has also been flawed.

We lost two proven Premier League goal scorers over the summer in Perez and Rondón and replaced them with a talented but unproven young duo from abroad in Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.

They have plenty of ability, but we've placed a lot of pressure on young shoulders here so have to hope we can play with much more attacking intent as we did last weekend. Things are starting to click, but our front three have scored just once between them all season, so confidence in front of goal is still low – despite signs of improvement.

CC: How do you expect Newcastle to line up for this game?

NUFC: Dubravka - Yedlin, Fernandez (Schar if he's fit to return), Lascelles, Clark, Willems - Hayden, Shelvey - Almiron, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin.

We tend to play with three centre-backs, two wing-backs, two holding midfielders and two wide men either side of a central striker. It's often a 3-4-2-1 with the ball and a 5-4-1 off the ball.

CC: What is your score prediction for the match?

NUFC: My heart fancies us to pick up from where we left off and take all three points in a 2-1 win, but my head fears that we'll struggle to cope with Wilson and King and be picked off. With that in mind, I'll say a 1-1 draw.

You have a dynamic attack that can cause any defence trouble on your day, but I've noticed you've scored just one goal in your last four and will be without Jefferson Lerma. A draw seems the most likely outcome to me.

CC: Thanks to Olly. The score prediction is a tough call this week. I don't think either team will want a draw but it could be a likely out come with clean sheets prominent for Bournemouth. Newcastle will have to show their home fans they can do it at St James' Park and that brings its own pressure, but Steve Bruce is clearly loving it back in the Premier League and AFCB will need to be ready for his game plan. Read more re-match views of Newcastle United at NUFC Blog .

Are Bournemouth about to unleash more goals?

It has been a bit of a grind up front for the Cherries of late. One goal in four games is not very characteristic of Eddie Howe sides, but the creativity of the side was buzzing again in the last game against Man United, and they'll need that against Newcastle who are also in good form.
Ryan Fraser is stuck on one goal this season which he scored against Everton.
Callum Wilson leads the goalscoring chart on four goals but hasn't scored sine the West Ham game at the end of September. You could say he is due a goal and yet his record has not suddenly come to a slowdown, because he has been missing many chances. I suppose the way he walked through Watford's defence and yet ran out of room to score was the most annoying chance he had to add to his total, but Callum is always on the edge and looking for that opportunity. It will come, and he could do with a goal going into the international break.
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Josh King has three goals now and will be pleased that he has scored from open play again having last done that against West Ham United. He may be disappointed to have only had the one penalty at Aston Villa to stick away, but his general play has been extremely good considering he has played on the wing and upfront. He is only five goals away from having 50 career Premier League goals, and this season he already has two assists. Bournemouth always look a powerful side with Josh King in full flow and he'll want to get on a scoring run to keep his position ahead of Dominic Solanke.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!The other attacker that is critical to AFCB's balance is Ryan Fraser. I felt he was getting back to his best against Manchester United. He was getting back to do the things he does well in making early passes and shooting as soon as he saw an opportunity. He may have been critical himself of not hitting the odd volley as crisply as he'd like, but he is looking more like the player of last season which is great to see. He probably just needs to up his shot count which is a steady 11 shots from 10 appearances.

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If these three can click and Harry Wilson can put some of his magic on free kicks at Newcastle United, we could see a goal haul yet return to AFCB. The team is playing well enough if they can keep creating the chances.

Brooks return might well take AFCB up another level

While Eddie Howe has said that David Brooks is still some way off, returning because he hasn't trained with the team yet, I am one that can't wait to see him back playing. The Welsh winger has been out since pre-season with an ankle injury and Bournemouth have missed his vision and creative decision -making on the right wing.
David Brooks should be stepping up his training this month.While Harry Wilson has come in and done a pretty good job, the understanding that Brooks has with King and Callum Wilson is exceptional. Brooks is a player that we know has shown fast improvement in his game every time he steps out in the Premier League. It will have been a while since David played and Eddie Howe will make sure it is not too soon, perhaps we will see him before the end of this month though.

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It makes me wonder, where would AFCB have been if David had been fit in the early part of the season? I think we all like to see the young players especially playing and doing well in the Premier League. That honour has probably fallen on Aaron Ramsdale the most this season and we can all see how much he is enjoying it.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!Eddie Howe is still probably not that satisfied with the right wing play for AFCB. We have seen Danjuma and Harry Wilson take turns to start n the last two games. In a way, it is the main little fix that Howe is perhaps most concerned with now. The defence is doing well and if Josh King, Ryan Fraser and Josh King can start picking up goals , there isn't a lot wring about the team if they can keep the clean sheets coming. Just that tweak in the right might take AFCB up one more level.

Philip Billing has fitted in well

We have now seen Philip Billing make 11 Premier League appearances for AFC Bournemouth and he has become a regular starter for Eddie Howe. His most difficult moment probably came against Aston Villa when he was booked in the first half, but he has picked up other cards at Leicester, Arsenal and Watford and will hope to avoid another card against Newcastle.

On the attacking front we are yet to see Philip break his duck, although he has come close a few times and he had managed one assist in his 11 games. He has had 13 shots so is averaging about one shot a game but has only had two on target, which to me indicates that he has been mainly shooting from long range. While he averages 43 passes a game, the thing that I have noted about his game is that he loves a long pass and has made 21 accurate long passes to date, according to his Premier League stats.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!This next weekend he will be playing without Jefferson Lerma, who has been suspended but he has played with Lewis Cook before and they played well together against Everton when the Cherries were dominant in midfield. It will be a bit of a little and large show again. Their challenge will be to keep the block on Newcastle and to keep the clean sheets going.


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Newcastle have some quick players and hit West Ham last week with their counter-attacking and long balls over the top. Bournemouth didn't defend too well against Leicester when they played balls over the top and bypassing Philip Billing and Lewis Cook is something that AFCB will have to watch out for.
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Josh King hits United where it hurts

Josh King will have been extremely happy to have netted against Man United. While they gave him the chance to develop his career, it is always sweet to score against a team that you no longer play for. Goals have not been flowing for Josh in the last few weeks, but he'll be pleased to have broken his draught and even more pleased that it didn't come form the penalty spot.
Josh King is starting to get some goals.There has been some punditry blaming of Man United's defending for the goal, but Josh had a lot of work to do to make sure he got away when he had his back to goal. King did have a good amount of time to do his manoeuvre in the box, and he talked about it to BBC Radio Solent saying that you always have more time than you think. Still Wan-Bissaka was right behind him and it was a little fortunate that when the defender went for the ball he only succeeded in helping lob it towards goal and right on to King's right foot.


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The finish has been highly applauded, even though it was at close range. But the ability to swivel quickly and keep focused on the ball, knowing you have a defender trying to get a block in and a keeper narrowing down the angle is always going to be a stressful moment for a striker. King kept his head well and just trusted in his ability.


Online-Bookies.org.ukJosh was very much in the game and was not finding it difficult to get plenty of the ball. The important thing was that in this game he managed to get into a good shooting position and while Bournemouth only had five shots on target all game, Josh was always creating and trying to get into position for a clean shot. If Josh is happier playing up front then I hope he gets to stay there as he is going to perform at his best when he is happy about where he is playing.

Was United game all about the first goal?

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer felt that the whole game between Bournemouth and Man Utd hung on who would get the first goal. It plays out that it was the correct call with only one goal being scored, but would Bournemouth have got a goal if Man United had scored in those first 20 minutes?
Man United just couldn't recover from going a goal down as AFCB's defence has improved.
We will never know, but AFCB have come back in games and when they have gone behind they haven't always failed to recover this season. The first goal is always massive in any game and of course it is a big advantage if your team gets it. Bournemouth were yet again, slow starters. It is something that Eddie Howe didn't talk that much about, but it should be a concern that the team is taking 10-15 minutes to find its feet in games. Against Arsenal it was 45 minutes before they felt comfortable.

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Giving good sides most of the possession in the first 20 minutes is not a great game plan. The Cherries have to find a way of being more assertive. It's not that the home support couldn't be heard and the atmosphere was great for getting the players up for the fight. Yet, the team often can't get on the front foot straight away.

Bournemouth were perhaps lucky that Man United were not in great shooting form and Ramsdale didn't have any awkward saves to make. James looked the player most likely to score for United, but as he was causing Rico a lot of problems down the left side of Bournemouth's defence, but he was probably taking on our most in form defender and Rico did okay.

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Somehow the Cherries need to play in the opposition half early on though if they are going to find their way to more opening goals.

150 Premier League appearance up for Steve Cook

Captain Cook has done a great job in his last couple of games. Steve racked up his 150th appearance in the Premier League last Saturday and was making all the clearances and challenges to ensure Ramsdale wasn't give too much of a hard work out.
The calls for Steve Cook to get an England call up keep growing.The captaincy surely does a lot for Cook's game. He really wears his armband with price and doesn't want the team to put in a poor performance. That means starting with his own game and while he has been back and fully fit, it is hard to see how Chris Mepham or Simon Francis will get near to the starting 11.


Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!The partnership with Nathan Aké is fully developed now. There is a real understanding between them and they seem much more focused on getting clean sheets. It is the small details that count and that make the difference and the communication from Cook is what I like to see. He was checking with Aaron Ramsdale and Nathan Aké regularly about what he wanted and the organisation of setting the offside line was good all game with Cook in control of it.
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The defensive side of Bournemouth's game has probably never been stronger. Three clean sheets in a row might well be a record for the club in the Premier League. Certainly, the back four look solid and it is not often we have been able to say that.

Players like Steve Cook are now gaining an enormous amount of experience with the time they have under their belt in the Premier League. But it's the players like Jack Simpson and Chris Mepham that need to be talking and learning from the experiences Cook has so that when they get to come into the team they are a bit more knowledgeable of things to watch out for.
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Is the AFCB defence now set right?

Listening to BT Sports guests, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, you might think that Bournemouth's defensive set up is now pretty much fixed. The team has not let a goal in during the last three games, but it was the thickness of the woodwork that saved them at home against Man United.
Steve Cook and Adam Smith with Diego in the background
 - nothing was getting past them or Nathan Ake for the third game in a row!I suppose I am always thinking that the next defeat is never that far away in this league. No matter how secure a back line looks, there are world-class attackers in the Premier League and only a few weeks ago Bournemouth couldn't buy a clean sheet, let alone get three in a row. Whatever Eddie Howe has done, it has worked for the moment. The form of Diego Rico has been very consistent and the return of Adam Smith has given a lot more running energy to the team.

In addition, we are now seeing the benefits of Steve Cook and Nathan Aké having played the best part of a couple of seasons together now in Bournemouth's defence. It's the trust that they have been building up and the knowledge about each other's game that is helping the team. There were very few moments of panic against Manchester United, and by keeping the shots to long-range efforts, there was a bit more calmness about AFCB's defending.



Online-Bookies.org.ukWhether that control and work rate to keep the clean sheets going will continue is harder to say. Man United were in good form coming into the match, but were perhaps energy sapped from playing their third game in a week. Bournemouth won't have that advantage against Newcastle United away, but the Toon have been conceding as well as scoring goals.

It doesn't get much better than beating Man Utd

My feelings were the same as Eddie Howe's when the players come off the pitch having beaten one of the richest and most acclaimed clubs in the world, you should celebrate! Okay, United are not the team that one European Cups and back-to-back Premier League titles, they are a shadow of those teams. But they are still Man United and you can only beat what is in front of you.
The Minute of silence before the game was perfectly observed.Looking at the league table today, it is Man United that will be feeling that they didn't perform and not the Bournemouth players. The Cherries needed a big win over a so-called top six team and they may have only nicked it 1-0, but the players beat Man United all over the pitch in winning tackles and making it difficult for them to play their game.

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Sometimes Bournemouth need to be a bit more in the faces of the opposition. The fact that it was a niggly game that was always simmering perhaps gave AFCB more of an impetuous to get over the winning line. Bournemouth still like to be thought of as underdogs and it gives the team a real sense of desire to get one over the bigger team - the fans feel it - and the players feel it.
Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!The atmosphere kept building against United. It was probably a horrible arena for them to play in as the home support was very strong. What Bournemouth managed to do was to find a bit of quality in the final third which hasn't been happening in the last few games. Bournemouth needed that and now they'll want to carry it on to the next game.

Chimes to Camera: AFCB 1 v 0 Man Utd

AFCB's defensive steel topples United

Match DescriptionAFCB 1 v 0 Man Utd2 November 2019Attendance: 10,669 Well, not many of us saw that score coming!Playing Man United after they have come off the back of two wins was always going to be a measure of how well AFCB could stand up to United's attack. Bournemouth had been steady in home games, but with only one win before this match and three goalless attempts at scoring in the Premier League, goals were rather elusive. But when Josh King brought a high ball down and turned to face goal, he remained unchallenged and was able to fire past de Gea to give the Cherries the lead on half-time. It proved a decisive goal as United couldn't get a clear shot on Ramsdale's goal. While Jefferson Lerma will rue his spat with Martial and Fred, as it led to his fifth yellow card of the season, Bournemouth found resolve and courage in this match. While Greenwood had a chance to level, Bournemouth were well worth their narrow win that might have been extended, if Harry Wilson had not found David de Gea in the best of form.
The minute's silenceThe Cherries made just one change from the last game with Harry Wilson replacing Arnaud Danjuma on the right wing. The weather was appalling, with steady to heavy rain pushing down for most of the first half and a swirling wind.

The game started with almost an opportunity from the off. A long ball from Aaron Ramsdale almost got Callum Wilson in, but he was offside. Man United countered quickly with a break that saw James go down the right and square for Pereira, but some how he missed the ball with just Ramsdale to beat!

Rico did better next time on James. Martial hit a weak shot at Ramsdale, but nothing to worry about.

James and Pereira were linking well but Pereira could only shoot over. United were overloading the right wing and Fred was next to miss a chance from a right wing cross, slipping on his backside as the ball sped away.

Callum Wilson got away up the left to across to Lerma who had a shot blocked on 13 minutes. Fred fouled Billing, but no yellow card was shown.

Harry Wilson had a shot blocked by McTominay for Bournemouth's first corner. Fraser got in behind the United defence and a header back by Billing, put United's defence under pressure. But when Fraser went down and VAR was checked, no penalty followed, on 16 minutes.
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Rashford tried his luck down left and pulled the ball back to Fred and its over. Still a corner was surprisingly given to Utd, much to the annoyance of home fans. King does well to pick McTominay 's pocket.

Smith goes in hard on Fred. The free kick is taken by Utd and Callum Wilson half clears enabling James to shoot, but wide of right post on 30 minutes.

Adam Smith is barged over, but no free kick is awarded. Fraser does better and wins a corner on 25 minutes.

Ake wins the ball and finds Callum Wilson, onto King and Fraser shoots low, but De Gea saves. That was the best play from Bournemouth so far. Fraser might have done better but tried to pick his spot.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!Martial goes down with Lerma's challenge in the box. It all kicks off with Fred getting involved. Fred and Lerma are carded on 35 minutes. That means Lerma is suspended for the next game as he hits the five caution mark.
Lerma wins a free kick. Harry Wilson has a well hit shot blocked. Ramsdale then clears at United break.
Smith goes down the right and Fraser cushions a volley, but straight at De Gea! That could have been the lead, but Fraser didn't hit the shot well enough. Lerma blocks McTominay.

Harry Wilson, Fraser is on the ball, now. Adam Smith floats the ball into the box. Great take down on the chest and turn by Josh King in the box and its fallen kindly to King, after Wan-Bissaka gets a foot in, and King's fired it past de Gea, through his legs, and in to the net 1-0 AFC Bournemouth.
Great time for Josh King to score.Second half
King chased down a long pass but Lindelöf shepherd's it back to De Gea. Fraser fouls James. Steve Cook makes a great tackle - he's been on it today. Billing to Harry Wilson who looks for Callum and the chance goes.

Rico puts in a good cross. Rashford is fouled by Steve Cook and Cook is carded. United have a corner, on 57 minutes. Aké beats Rashford to the ball.

Fraser fouls James and is booked on 61 minutes. Callum is almost in from a right with a crossed ball, but De Gea does enough. Harry Wilson follows up but goes down, no penalty.

Harry Wilson is fouled by Lindelöf and the United player is booked.

Lerma spreads play Wilson cuts in and Smith is fouled. Young is booked. A free kick right by the box for Bournemouth follows. Harry Wilson hits it too high.

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Man United sub Pereira is taken off and Lingard is on after 68 minutes. Aké clears. Adam Smith concedes a corner. Smith comes away, but can't find Harry Wilson.

Fraser battles and wins the ball and Lerma has a cheeky shot just wide of the right post!

Rico wins the ball, before Fred shoots hight to the left of goal. Billing to Harry Wilson, save low de Gea - that was a difficult save. United have a corner but Bournemouth clear. Another United corner. Billing gets there first. Callum is down.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!Wan-Bissaka is subbed and Williams is on with 10 minutes to go. Fraser puts Callum in but there is a late flag. United have a corner and Greenwood hits the post, and Rico can clear at the far post.

McTominay drives a shot from distance that Ramsdale can only parry out, but Steve Cook clears with the goal lying open. Relief, Bournemouth get a foul after Smith was knocked over in his box.

Steve Cook beats Rashford for the corner. Maguire heads wide just beating Lerma. Harry Wilson is subbed on 86 minutes and Lewis Cook is on.

Corner to United. Bournemouth survive. King on the break to Fraser but he's lost out.

Callum is booked for a dive on half way. Fred shoots, but Ramsdale watches it well and saves.

Three minutes are added. It remains 1-0 to Bournemouth.
Happy days!Summary
This was a tight match but neither keeper was kept overly busy. The conditions made for some over exuberant challenges, but the only time things got out of hand is when Martial went over easy in the first half and Lerma lost control in his anger. I guess it is best that Lerma gets his ban out the way, but it was an unnecessary yellow card for him. Bournemouth could have extended their lead with Fraser and Harry Wilson in particular going close. In the end the 1-0 win is pleasing that Bournemouth took their best chance and kept United at bay for another clean sheet. Eddie Howe won't have much to grumble at after that performance, and the home crowd really got fully behind the team which made it a great game to be at.
AFCB Line-up AFCB Subs: Boruc, Francis, Kelly, Mepham, L Cook, Danjuma, Solanke
AFCB Ratings
Ramsdale 7, A Smith 7, S Cook 9, Aké 8, Rico 8, H Wilson 6, Lerma 7, Billing 6,
King 8, C Wilson 6

Cherry Chimes MoM: Steve Cook

Ref Watch: Chris Kavanagh 3/10: A bit disappointing today, certainly liked to give United the benefit of the doubt.

Man Utd
1 de Gea, 29 Wan-Bissaka (Williams 81), 2 Lindelöf, 5 Maguire, 8 Young, 39 McTominay,
17 Fred, 21 James (Greenwood 80), 15 Pereira (Lingard 68), 10 Rashford, 9 Martial


Man United Subs8 Mata, 14 Lingard, 16 Rojo, 22 Romero, 26 Greenwood, 37 Garner, 53 Williams

Cherry Chimes' T-shirt winner for the correct score prediction was Les Fry @bonzodog25


Man Utd post-match press conference