AFC Bournemouth 0 Manchester United 2
Jose Mourinho expressed his pleasure with the performances of his players in last night’s 2-0 win against Bournemouth, describing it as an encouraging sign ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.
Having gifted the Premier League crown to Manchester City on Sunday, losing at home to bottom-placed West Bromwich Albion, Mourinho had questioned the commitment to the cause of some of his players.
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The United manager made seven changes to his team. The response of those chosen will make it harder for him to select his starting XI on Saturday, a game that represents the club’s only chance of silverware this season.
“I will not play this XI but all of them told me they want to play,” said Mourinho, who was overseeing United’s 49th competitive game of the season. “This win was based on good attitude, professionalism and a determination to win an important match for us because now it’s difficult to not finish in the top four.”
Chris Smalling and substitute Romelu Lukaku were United’s scorers against Bournemouth, the goals coming in each half at the Vitality Stadium. The victory gives United a four-point cushion over third-place Liverpool with four games left in the campaign.
Paul Pogba played a part in the build-up to Lukaku’s goal. In the post-match press conference, Mourinho was asked about the French midfielder and the criticism he received in certain quarters for a “disrespectful” display against WBA.
Former United idol Paul Scholes even suggested to BT Sport that it might be time for Pogba to be shown the door at Old Trafford on account of his selfish attitude.
Admitting that the entire team had under-performed against the Baggies, Mourinho refused to single out Pogba and instead praised the Frenchman for his contribution against Bournemouth. “Top performance, top performance,” he said. “He can do it.”
As for Bournemouth, the defeat means they’ve won just one of their last nine league games. But they remain ten points above the relegation zone and should be sure of top-flight football for another season.
“We’re not quite safe – I’m getting bored of saying it,” admitted manager Eddie Howe. “We have three massive games left and we need to get over the line.”
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