Manchester United hosted Bournemouth at Old Trafford in an unexpected turn of events that saw the visitors critically effective, capitalizing on their limited opportunities. The match resulted in a 3-0 victory for Bournemouth, despite United's significant shot volume with 23 efforts (seven on target and 16 off target) versus Bournemouth's relatively modest 10 attempts (five on target and five off target). This discrepancy highlights the efficiency of Bournemouth in their finishing, making the most out of their chances created.

A pivotal moment in the match occurred with Dean Huijsen’s goal in the first half, assisted by the inconspicuous playmaker Ryan Christie. This goal not only set the tone but also destabilized Manchester United's confidence early on. During the second half, Bournemouth managed to extend their lead further; Justin Kluivert's penalty came at a crucial moment, doubled down by Antoine Semenyo’s quick follow-up, which was facilitated by an assist from Dango Ouattara. This quick succession of goals demonstrated Bournemouth’s clinical approach and ability to strike precisely during Manchester United's defensive lapses.

Manchester United struggled to transition their 13 corner kicks and frequent offensive plays into goals. The home team showed no real threat of being offside, indicating a tendency to play safe and maintain possession rather than pushing aggressively for breakthroughs. On the other hand, Bournemouth, while accruing a trio of yellow cards, maintained a disciplined approach to defend their lead, thereby neutralizing United's chances effectively. The yellow card tally also reflects the intensity and resilience of Bournemouth, who did not shy away from occasional aggressive play needed to disrupt United's tempo.

The match highlights the importance of efficiency and opportunistic play on Bournemouth's part against a team that dominated possession and attempts. Whilst Manchester United displayed superior team coordination as evidenced by the number of passes leading to corners and shots, they lacked the incisive touch in the final third. Bournemouth's performance underscores the value of decisiveness and converting limited chances into goals, proving that football often rewards those who can tactically outmaneuver their opponents despite controlling less possession.

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