Manchester United’s set-piece shortcomings were again in evidence as Dean Huyjsen gave Bournemouth a 30th-minute lead at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Ryan Christie’s free-kick found defender Huijsen at the back post, who looped a header past goalkeeper Andre Onana to put the Cherries on course for their fourth win of a five-game unbeaten run.

“What a start for Bournemouth,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They could just take it in – they didn’t have to do too much. Dean Huijsen just glanced at it and it drifted into the far top corner.

Just a quiet guy scoring at Old Trafford 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UnnyCpseIb

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024

Man United vs Bournemouth: Huijeson goal

Bournemouth started strongly before going ahead, although United twice went close with half-time through Bruno Fernandes.

Capa Arrizabalaga denied the United captain with a penalty save, while the Portugal playmaker sent another effort narrowly wide.

United have now conceded the first goal in each of their last six matches under new manager Ruben Amorim, who left Marcus Rashford out of his matchday squad for the third consecutive game.

Tottenham, Manchester City, Viktoria Plzen, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all scored early goals in Amorim’s previous five games.

In six changes from Thursday’s 4-3 Carabao Cup final defeat at Tottenham, Joshua Zirkzy replaced Rasmus Hojlund in attack and full-back Tyrrell Malacia made his second league appearance of the season.

“This is my decision, I want to see my best players” 💬

Ruben Amorim comments on Marcus Rashford being left out of the squad 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dLiBMEPBA3

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024

Premier League Table

The Red Devils started the day in 13th but knew they could move above Bournemouth with a second league win in a row after a late 2-1 win at Manchester City the previous Sunday.

The Cherries, meanwhile, will move up to fifth with three points, leapfrogging Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City.

Manager Andoni Iraola opted to hand midfielder Tyler Adams his fifth start in 10 league games since returning from a back injury in mid-October.

USA international Lewis came on for Cook as his side secured their third away win in a row with wins over Wolves and Ipswich Town.