Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil makes bold Manchester United claim after defeat

Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil was left ruing a late missed chance as his side were edged out by Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

United midfielder casemiro scored the only goal of the game inside nine minutes, producing a brilliant overhead kick from close range after Christian Eriksen’s lofted ball deflected off the boot of Marco Senesi. Erik ten Hag’s side were far from their best but defended well for their three points.

Bournemouth were kept relatively quiet but managed to carve out a few openings, the most notable being for Kieffer Moore, who saw his effort saved by David De Gea after racing through on goal with five minutes left. Senesi also saw a late volley from the edge of the box land on the roof of United’s net, and O’Neil believes his side deserved something from the game.

RATINGS: Casemiro and Varane are good in Bournemouth’s win

“We were good, we gave everything in a close game,” O’Neil told Match of the Day after full-time. “We were right in it and had a big chance at the end. It is Manchester United and we had players missing.

“We want to treat every game with respect and give a good account of ourselves. David Brooks earned his right to start today, it’s not a friendly and we were very competitive. We deserved something from the game.

“For his first game back after such a long time David showed some great touches. Pre-season will be big for him but I’m delighted to have him back. He will be a good option for us next season.

“I am very proud of the group, it was a big mountain we had to climb. We achieved something that not many people thought we could.”

Three points at the Vitality has sent United to within touching distance of securing a top-four finish, with Liverpool managing just a draw at home to Aston Villa. The Reds can confirm their place in next season’s Champions League with a point or three at home to Chelsea on Thursday.

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