Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim suggested his players lacked “understanding” of game management after Bournemouth won 3-0 at Old Trafford for the second successive season on Sunday.

Dean Huijsen’s 30th-minute header, Justin Kluivert’s penalty after 61 minutes and Antoine Semenyo’s goal two minutes later ensured United finished 13th, eight points off fourth place.

“After the penalty and the (quick) third goal, it was really tough for the players and the fans,” Amorim said as United suffered their second straight defeat at home. BBC Sport.

“It’s a very difficult moment, but we already knew it was a difficult context. Our focus is to keep the peace when you give a goal.

“We have to manage these moments and try to give the players some peace, understanding that there are different moments in the game.”

🗣️ “It’s hard to push for two or three wins. We are trying. But this game was difficult for us.

Ruben Amorim reflects on Man Utd’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ytBCa38Y7l

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

Amorim: United ‘ready for challenge’

Huijsen’s opener underlined United’s fragility from set-pieces as the Cherries move up to fifth above Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Bruno Fernandes sent a shot wide and was denied by visiting goalkeeper Capa Arrizabalaga before half-time as Amorim tasted defeat for the fourth time in his nine-game tenure.

“We conceded a foul, a set-piece and (conceived),” said the Portuguese, who arrived from Sporting on November 1.

“Then we had a lot of chances – without playing really, really well, we were winning other balls, creating chances and getting close to the goal. We have one way to improve: training. We are ready to face the challenge.”

+3 😉 pic.twitter.com/XYWGCGsC5c

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 22, 2024

Marcus Rashford’s return uncertain

Amorim was non-committal about Marcus Rashford’s involvement when United visit Wolves in their next match on December 26 (5.30 PM GMT).

Former England forward Rashford is under contract until 2028 but has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.

United have lost four of their last five domestic matches as they prepare to host Newcastle on December 30 (8pm) before visiting current leaders Liverpool on January 5 (4.30pm).