Manchester United Pips Bournemouth 1-0
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said he would be “on holiday in Brazil or Los Angeles” if he thought the Premier League title race was over, as his side edged past Bournemouth.
United bounced back from their defeat by rivals Manchester City with a victory, but failed to make any inroads on unbeaten league leaders City, who thrashed Swansea 4-0 to maintain their 11-point advantage.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku scored the winner in the first half, heading in to the top corner from Juan Mata’s cross towards the six-yard box.
Mourinho said: “The City game was a big one, and a defeat does not help in your recovery – victories help, defeats don’t.
“Bournemouth were difficult opponents and difficult conditions. If we had scored the second it would have been a calm night for us.
“I am pleased with the three points. They had one more day’s rest than us, they were fresher than us, and mentally fresher because a big match takes more from our players.
“[The title race] is only over in May. If it is over now I go on holiday to Brazil or Los Angeles.”
United could have netted a second but substitute Marcus Rashford’s thumping drive came back off the crossbar.
Visitors Bournemouth caused plenty of problems for United but were unable to find a way past David de Gea, whose best save of the contest came from Ryan Fraser’s cross-shot.
United’s 40-game unbeaten run at Old Trafford was brought to an end by Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday and they were extremely fortunate to claim three points against the Cherries.
The hosts were second best for much of the contest and had just two shots on target, as Mourinho maintained his record of not losing consecutive games at home as a manager.
Frontman Lukaku bore the brunt of the criticism for the 2-1 defeat by City, but he claimed the only goal in this match – and his 14th of the season – by rising above former Chelsea team-mate Nathan Ake and planting a header past goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
However, Bournemouth were left questioning whether the goal should have stood as Anthony Martial collided with Adam Smith in the lead-up.
Lukaku could have added to his tally but had an effort pushed away by Begovic and Martial lashed over the follow-up from six yards out.
Despite the sluggish showing, the performances of defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Scott McTominay will be pleasing to Mourinho and the supporters.
Shaw, given his first league start in seven months, looked fit and sharp, contributing three tackles and gaining the ball back six times in the match. McTominay was neat in possession and had a 91.7% accuracy from his 47 passes.
Mourinho added: “I am not saying he is first or second choice, Shaw is an option. His history is an incredible injury and more surgery at the end of last season.
“He needs competitive matches, we gave him that and he had some cramps so we had to change him. The standing ovation for him I liked, it helps the player.”