Manchester United made it three wins from three matches under the leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Pogba scored twice for United, while Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku also registered as the Red Devils closed the gap on fifth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table to just three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth from Old Trafford. United have won both of their league matches since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became interim head coach. The Red Devils sit sixth in the table on 32 points, and would move to within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal with another win this afternoon. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four in the league to drop down to 12th position.
Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Old Trafford. Both managers had some big decisions to make leading into this afternoon's clash...
TEAMS!
UNITED: De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Herrera, Matic, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford, Martial
BMOUTH: Begovic; Daniels, S Cook, Ake, Rico; Ibe, Brooks, Surman, Stanislas; King, Wilson
So there we have it. United's XI shows four changes from the one that started the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day. In come Anthony Martial, Ashley Young, Eric Bailly and Ander Herrera, with Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones, Fred and Juan Mata dropping out for the Red Devils here.
Romelu Lukaku returns to the bench this afternoon, but it is once again Marcus Rashford at the tip of the attack, while Jesse Lingard also keeps his position in the final third. Paul Pogba has been outstanding in United's last two matches and will be looking to impress again in this one.
As for Bournemouth, their Twitter account is showing a 3-5-2 formation this afternoon, but it remains to be seen whether that is the case. Either way, it is a very attacking lineup, with Josh King, Callum Wilson, Junior Stanislas, Jordan Ice and David Brooks all in the team. Nathan Ake has previously been linked with United and he starts at the back for the Cherries once again.
Just a quick update on what has happened/is happening elsewhere in the Premier League today. Chelsea have already won 1-0 at Crystal Palace, while West Ham United are losing 2-0 at Burnley. Manchester City, meanwhile, currently lead Southampton 3-1 with 20 minutes left.
Last time at Old Trafford...
This afternoon will actually be just the 16th time that United and Bournemouth have locked horns. Bournemouth have won just two of the previous 15 and have never been victorious at Old Trafford. The pair locked horns at the Vitality Stadium at the start of November, with United recording a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who both start here.
The mood around Old Trafford this afternoon is high, as you would expect. The atmosphere is like night and day since Jose Mourinho left. Mourinho is a wonderful manager, but it just did not happen for him at United despite managing to secure some silverware. Things had to change.
Solskjaer's first match in charge of United brought a 5-1 win at Cardiff City on December 22, before the Red Devils recorded a 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day last time out. United are going for three wins in a row this afternoon and will certainly fancy their chances.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League table having gathered 32 points from their 19 matches this term; they have recorded nine wins, five draws and five defeats. Worryingly, the team have already conceded 31 goals and just cannot seem to keep a clean sheet at the moment.
In fact, United have not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since the goalless draw with Crystal Palace on November 24. The Red Devils were strong defensively last season, but have been far too easy to score against this season, which Bournemouth will be looking to exploit.
A win for United this afternoon would see them move to within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal on the same number of matches. The Red Devils would still be eight points off fourth-placed Chelsea, however, and have a lot of ground to make up even if they win this afternoon.
In terms of what is ahead for United, they are next in action away to Newcastle United on January 2, before hosting Championship side Reading in the FA Cup on January 5. The Red Devils then have a huge match away at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on January 13.
As for Bournemouth, Eddie Howe's side will enter this match off the back of a 5-0 loss at Tottenham on Boxing Day. It was not a 5-0 game, but the result will be concerning to the club's supporters. The Cherries have actually lost three of their last four in the Premier League, which includes the 4-0 home defeat to Liverpool and a 2-0 defeat away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A total of 26 points from 19 matches has left Bournemouth in 12th position in the table. Howe's side are just three points off seventh-placed Wolves, however, and have already put eight wins on the board in the Premier League this season, which is a healthy number at this stage.
FULL-TIME RESULTS: BURNLEY 2-0 WEST HAM, SOUTHAMPTON 1-3 MAN CITY
Disappointment for West Ham, who seem to take one step forward and one back. Big win for Man City, meanwhile, as the Citizens return to second spot in the Premier League table.
Little over 15 minutes until kickoff this afternoon and the atmosphere is really building. The home supporters will be looking for another positive performance and indeed win in this one.
It does appear that Bournemouth will play a 3-5-2 formation this afternoon, which will be very, very interesting. The Cherries have so many attacking players in their XI at Old Trafford.
United will once again be a in a 4-3-3 this afternoon, with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard in the final third. Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera will hold, while Paul Pogba is given licence to break forward. The bad news for Bournemouth is that Pogba looks to be back.
PREDICTION! Home win. Bournemouth were thumped at Tottenham on Boxing Day and have a number of injuries at the moment. United are flying and I fancy a 3-0 home win in this one.
Right, here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at Old Trafford. It is the final match of 2018 for both of these teams. United are full of confidence at the moment and take on a Bournemouth side just short of a bit of form. Stay tuned for live updates!
KICKOFF: United kick things off at Old Trafford...
... as expected, United have taken control of the early possession. Bournemouth are a team that like to get on the ball, however, and the pattern of the match will be very interesting here.
Young delivers a deep free kick into the Bournemouth box, but Matic cannot make contact. United continue to dominate the ball and it must be said that they look full of confidence.
Bournemouth are in a 3-5-2 this afternoon, with Ibe and Rico in the wing-back positions. Only one defensive midfielder in the team though, and that is Andrew Surman. Not too much from the away side going forward thus far as United continue to move the ball in the final third.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH (POGBA)
Oh my goodness, just wonderful. Stunning work from Rashford in a wide area as the attacker dances past Ake and Rico before firing a low cross into Pogba, who just cannot miss!
Unbelievable work from Rashford, who had far too much pace and skill for the Bournemouth defence. The low cross was also excellent as he put it on a plate for Pogba, who is on the scoresheet once again. Bournemouth already have a serious job on their hands here.
Bournemouth have seen a little bit of the ball in the last couple of minutes, but nothing to trouble De Gea. United, meanwhile, look dangerous every time they have the chance to break.
Smart goalkeeping from Begovic to palm clear a deep cross; the goalkeeper was under huge pressure, but did well to clear his lines. United are so dangerous in the final third of the field.
Possession football from United as they continue to move the ball with pace and purpose.
CLOSE! Rashford has a strike deflected just wide of the Bournemouth post!
More dance moves from Pogba, who looks a different player under Solskjaer...
Lingard looks to pick out Pogba after driving to the edge of the box, but the pass is just a little off. Bournemouth break through Wilson, but Lindelof is across to make the challenge.
Bit of possession for Bournemouth at the moment, but the visitors have not been able to test De Gea in the first 21 minutes of this match, which has gone United's way once again.
Bournemouth have a concern over Cook here as the centre-back stays down.
Cook is back on his feet. Another defensive injury is not what Bournemouth need.
SHOT! Stanislas fires a long-range strike wide of the United post.
United will be keen to get a second goal as soon as possible because there is no question that Bournemouth can recover here. Indeed, Herrera has just had to a clear a low cross from King.
CHANCE! Huge chance for Bournemouth as Ake rises highest to meet a corner, but his effort is blocked and United can clear their lines. Massive climb from Ake there.
SAVE! Begovic catches a long-range Pogba strike.
These two are having a good battle at the moment...
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Pogba's goal is still the difference. Not too much happening at the moment, but Bournemouth are definitely in a better shape.
Slight lull in proceedings at the moment. Not too much is happening at Old Trafford.
MAN UNITED 2-0 BOURNEMOUTH (POGBA)
Pogba has his second of the match as the Frenchman rises high to head a wonderful Herrera cross into the back of the net. It really is a terrific second goal for the flying midfielder.
YELLOW CARD! Young (Man United) is booked for a poor tackle on King.
CHANCE! Another chance for Pogba as Cook meets a corner, but Matic deflects his header over. Bournemouth are causing problems with crosses into the United box.
SAVE! Really smart save from De Gea to keep out a strike from King!
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and United still lead 2-0 here.
Bournemouth continue to come under pressure as United deliver from wide areas, but the away side manage to clear their lines for now. Not long left to play in the first half of action.
Possession football from United as we approach the interval.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 3-0 BOURNEMOUTH (RASHFORD)
United have their third of the match as Rashford turns an excellent Martial cross into the back of the net. Wonderful from Martial and the finish from Rashford comes on the stretch.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 3-1 BOURNEMOUTH (AKE)
Still no clean sheet for United as Ake rises to head a Brooks cross home!
HALF TIME: MAN UNITED 3-1 BOURNEMOUTH
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with United leading Bournemouth 3-1. Pogba has scored twice for the Red Devils, while Rashford has also got his name on the scoresheet. Still no clean sheet for United though as Ake netted with a header.
STATISTICS! United had 65% of the possession in the first period, while they had five attempts, four of which were on target and three of which ended in goals. Bournemouth, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their four attempts, registering late in the first half through Dutchman Ake.
BENCH WATCH! Bournemouth do have a lot of talent on their bench this afternoon, with Defoe, Fraser and Lerma among those available. United, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Fellaini, Mata, Pereira and a certain Lukaku, who will be keen to see some minutes here.
KICKOFF: Bournemouth resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops at Old Trafford.
It will be very interesting to see whether Lukaku plays a part this afternoon. Surely Solskjaer will want to give the Belgian some minutes ahead of the trip to Newcastle next week.
Herrera has a strike cleared over the Bournemouth crossbar as United look for a fourth.
YELLOW CARD! Herrera (Man United) is booked for a tug on Stanislas.
Begovic does well to claim a high cross from Pogba, which was dropping to Martial. Plenty happening early in the second period as both teams continue to commit players forward.
De Gea manages to claim a high ball after Bailly had smashed the ball at Shaw. United's back four does not look secure and that still needs to be improved next month if at all possible.
Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining and we are entering the period of the match where both managers will just be thinking about alterations. Fatigue will kick in.
Martial does well to dance past a couple of challenges before delivering low into the box, but the ball had just drifted out of play for a goal kick. Still 3-1 to the home side at Old Trafford.
Not too much happening at the moment as United keep the ball.
Young fires over the Bournemouth crossbar from close range, but the offside flag had been raised. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes.
Pogba looks to pick out Young with a stunning pass, but it is just too strong. Pogba is absolutely full of it at the moment and will be desperate to register his first professional hat trick.
SAVE! Begovic does well to keep out a close-range Rashford effort!
BOURNEMOUTH SUBS! Fraser and Mousset replace Brooks and Wilson.
The fact that Wilson and Brooks have been replaced suggests that Howe is giving up on this match. No movement on the United bench at the moment, but that will surely change soon.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bournemouth as Cook delivers a low cross into King, but Bailly does really well to make the block. It was some run and pass from Cook there.
MAN UNITED SUB! Lukaku replaces Rashford for the home side.
Rashford has headed straight down the tunnel as he has a slight groin strain, but it should not be too troublesome. Big chance for Lukaku to get his name on the scoresheet late on here.
GOAL! MAN UNITED 4-1 BOURNEMOUTH (LUKAKU)
And there it is! Lukaku gets his name on the scoresheet as the Belgium international turns past Begovic following a brilliant Pogba pass. Great moment for the centre-forward.
OFF THE POST! Pogba is a whisker away from the treble as his low strike hits the post!
MAN UNITED SUB! Pereira replaces Herrera for United.
Shaw is down for United getting some treatment on an injured knee.
Lukaku gets a huge cheer from the crowd as he chases down Ake and eventually wins a throw. Little over 10 minutes of the second period remaining and United want a fifth goal here.
RED CARD! BAILLY! Bailly is sent off for a lunge on Fraser!
Late, scissor challenge from Bailly, and United are down to 10 men.
MAN UNITED SUB! Jones replaces Martial for the home side.
BOURNEMOUTH SUB! Ake, who looks injured, is replaced by Mings.
Little over five minutes of the second period remaining and United still lead 4-1.
Possession football from United as we head for the final minutes of this football match. The year is coming to a close and it will be a Happy New Year for the 20-time English champions.
CLOSE! Surman misses the post with a curling effort from outside the United box.
Pass, pass, pass from United as the seconds tick on at Old Trafford.
Lukaku is just caught offside when he perhaps should not have been.
We are into the first minute of added time at the end of the 90.
Four additional minutes to be played.
Into the final seconds at Old Trafford and it is going to be another win for United, with the Red Devils closing the gap on fifth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table to just three points.
FULL TIME: MAN UNITED 4-1 BOURNEMOUTH
So there we have it. Manchester United make it three wins from three matches under the leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live Premier League coverage once again. Happy New Year!
