Luke Shaw masterclass sees Manchester United ease past Bournemouth 3-0

Having been dropped after the humiliating display against Brentford, the Englishman has battled to regain his place in the side after £14.7m signing Tyrell Malacia impressed.

This competition for places proving healthy competition for the fullback who’s resurgence in the team is illustrating glimpses of his 2020-2021 form and more.

After the absences of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez, Shaw had to adapt to a more central defensive role next to Raphael Varane.

Similarly to his recent performances at left full back, this was incredibly impressive.

However, on Tuesday, Maguire and Lindelof returned to the side, placing Shaw back in his natural position.

A defining attribute of Shaw at his best, is his driving ability to pierce through the oppositions press and midfield opening up the final third.

This was used exceptionally against Bournemouth which saw him link up with his left flank ally Marcus Rashford, before bursting away and playing it into Bruno Fernandes who laid it off for Alejandro Garnacho to pull it back to the emerging Shaw.

This secured Shaw only his third Premier League goal illustrating the rarity of such a feat.

Casemiro’s brilliance

Brazilian bulldozer Casemiro produced yet another brilliant performance, topped off with a composed volley.

Casemiro flourished in his typical excellence when reading the game and intercepting Bournemouth attacks, but the unlikely runner from a Christian Eriksen free-kick exemplified the unending skillset of the five-time Champions League winner.

Despite not being Erik Ten Hag’s midfield summer priority, recent performances have illustrated the tremendous difference a defensive midfielder has on this United side and how skilled Casemiro is in this art.

A £70m transfer which originally raised eyebrows, is swiftly turning into a bargain. This only plagued by his age.

Despite only being 30, United fans may feel his signing reflects similarities to that of Nemanja Matic in 2017/18. The Serb’s performances where that of the highest quality until his legs inevitably declined.

However, with the potential of new ownership in the summer, fans will be hoping for a swift re-build to potentially be inline to win the major trophies whilst the elite defensive midfielder is still at the top of his game.

Rashford’s continued form

Rashford continued his fine form, tapping into a gaping goal after Shaw’s magnificent pass set Bruno in-behind to lay it off to the England international.

United’s number 10 is becoming a lethal danger off the left, instilling fear wherever he chooses.

His bursting pace and crafty footwork makes him a nightmare to defend.

Ten Hag will be delighted with the progress Rashford has made since his appointment and will be widely praised for the effect he’s had on the winger.

Bournemouth’s performance

Bournemouth on the other hand, offered very little to ignite sparks in this one-sided affair. A couple chances fell their away in the second half but for the resilience of David De Gea.

After United secured the second early in the second half, the game became more open, weakening the stronghold of Ten Hag’s men on the game. This infuriated Ten Hag after the game expressing the issues with such approach.

Ultimately, victory sees United remain fourth, level with Newcastle in third, with a game in hand. Whereas, Bournemouth go into 16th just a point ahead of Everton in 18th.

Next Fixtures

Bournemouth next face Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday before returning to Premier League action on the 14th away to Brentford.

Manchester United face Everton at Old Trafford on Friday in the FA Cup before facing Charlton in the Quarter final of the League Cup, and back in the league against fierce rivals Manchester City in the derby on the 14th January.