Ghana winger Christian Atsu has returned to training with English Premier League side Bournemouth after undergoing successful injury treatment with his parent club Chelsea.
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United thrashed a team then known as Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic 6-0 in January 1949 in the FA Cup third round.
The goals by Milton Graham and Ian Thompson in a two-minute span of the second half created scenes on the seaside town reminiscent of Fezziwig’s merry party, memories still heralded in Bournemouth’s history.
It’s time for Louis van Gaal to get real.
He was full of praise for his side’s incredible fitness levels – “they’re the fittest group of players I’ve ever seen” – also hailed the club’s “magnificent” fans, insisting their loyalty and support will be key for the team as they look to stay in the top flight this term. They would consider themselves in a very good position to win the league this season.
While Beckham has not offered any criticisms or insights, much has been made over the seeming lack of influence of fellow ’92 alum and United assistant Ryan Giggs, who could be likened to Bob Cratchit given van Gaal’s authoritative Scrooge-like demeanor.
All this leaves United at a crossroads with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows two paths given the team will easily recoup the lost revenue of their Champions League exit when the Premier League’s lucrative £5.1-billion TV deal begins in 2016-17.
The 38-year-old confessed that he has never given the idea of coaching the Three Lions any thought, especially after managing just 15 matches in the Premier League with the Cherries.
A failure would nearly undoubtedly end van Gaal’s tenure with arguably more shame than predecessor David Moyes’ one-season disaster following Ferguson.
United won the return 2-0 with one goal coming from Harry Redknapp, who had briefly resumed his Bournemouth playing career.
Andrew Surman admits Bournemouth are brimming with confidence ahead of the visit of Manchester United.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe feels its “crazy” to link him to the England job.
Having recorded what Eddie Howe dubbed the “biggest win in the club’s history” against Chelsea last time out, Bournemouth will be hoping to pull off another major scalp when they welcome Manchester United to the Vitality Stadium. They are tied for points with Newcastle.
And United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger starts a three-game ban after accepting a Football Association charge for violent conduct on Thursday.
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Defensive lynchpin Chris Smalling picked up a knock in Germany and Matteo Darmian had to be taken off with injury, so United could be without six defenders on Saturday.
