PES Predicts has been on a bit of a roll with Man Utd recently. First it was St Etienne in the Europa League, then Blackburn in the FA Cup and finally Southampton in the EFL Cup final. Three perfect scores. Who would have thought it? We go looking for a fourth today as Bournemouth visit Old Trafford in the Saturday lunch time kick off.
There are no heroics with either team selection. I’ve assumed Mkhitaryan is still out whilst Bournemouth are missing Simon Francis, so Ibra can pick on Tyrone Mings. Virtual Old Trafford is ready, Peter Drury is ready, I am ready. COMMENCE VIDEO GAMES.
Man Utd get us underway, kicking from left to right. Beglin picks out Jack Wilshere as the key man today, which is bold given the opposition. Bournemouth are popping it around nicely though, enjoying having a big pitch to express themselves on. In fact, we’ve had 15 minutes of nothing. “It’s not the game we were hoping for” remarks Drury. You’re telling me. Ever heard of the phrase putting lipstick on a pig? That’s me trying to make this interesting. Hold on, a shot! Mata tries a half volley from about 30 yards that goes a yard wide. It was always wide, even Drury couldn’t muster excitement.
Better from the Reds now, stringing a number of passes together before Martial’s cross is claimed by Boruc. Do better. There’s the first chance for Ibra, flicking Martial’s cross wide. Boruc was nowhere. Fair to say Bournemouth have come for a point, and as that’s half time for the cost of two shots (neither on target) I’d say they’re well on their way to getting in.
Bournemouth have a corner to start the second half. It’s rubbish. Straight down De Gea’s throat. Another corner now though, what is going on? De Gea slaps this one away and Lingard leads the charge out. Martial has a chance down the left but his touch is a bit Carlton Palmer-y. It’s snuffed out. Now they have a corner. Pogba takes but it beats everybody. Awful set pieces today. Not that Bournemouth will mind. Another promising move has an awful final ball. 70 played…
More like it now, Ibrahimovic looks set to score but Bournemouth bodies throw themselves in the way. Mata dinks one over the top and Ibra’s touch is great but Boruc is on it quicker than you can imagine. A goal is imminent. Harry Arter tries a shot from 40 yards, that’s awful. But there we go! Ibra strikes, with a beautiful looping header. Man Utd really turned up the pressure as we passed 70 minutes and Valencia’s cross is met by the big man, who finally got away from Steve Cook. 1-0, and off goes Lingard for Ashley Young. “The manager’s done him a big favour by subbing him,” according to Beglin. Harsh.
Smalling’s in the book for a foul on Wilshere. Afobe is on for King. Ibra’s in again…but wonderful defending from Tyrone Mings keeps it 1-0. Herrera has now fouled Wilshere as the clock hits 90. Ryan Fraser’s ball is in awful. It’s cleared, and that’s it! What an awful game of football.
Beglin’s praising the tactics of Bournemouth but they had 1 shot in 90 minutes and it barely reached the goal. That is not football, Eddie Howe. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s men scored with their only shot on target. That’s the Jose we know and love. An underwhelming encounter, but hey, it’s only PES.