And Howe is under no illusions about the size of the next task facing the Cherries. “Our performance levels were extremely high last week but we are probably going to have to surpass that to have any chance of winning”. Then again, the Bournemouth hacks are no strangers to over-the-top outpourings, as witnessed by their post-match coverage of that win against Chelsea…
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For UK viewers: If you have access to a cable or satellite subscription – either yours or someone else’s – you can watch the game online for free via Sky Sports 1 Live Stream. “We are proud to be hosting Manchester United, it’s a huge game in this club’s history”.
Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal arrives for the Champions League group B soccer match between VfL Wolfsburg and Manchester United in Wolfsburg, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015.
Van Gaal was indignant at suggestions the Europa League counts for little. Having failed to make it out of the group stage – and subsequently consign themselves to Thursday night football in the Europa League – former United stars Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen all criticised Van Gaal and his side. Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure as a result and questions have been raised over his future with the club.
The 64-year-old did, though, admit his players were struggling to deal with the expectations on their shoulders. You can lose and win in sport, you have to accept it.
Bournemouth and Manchester United meet when they are experiencing contrasting emotions.
Van Gaal was visibly annoyed when asked if he would be happy if he just won the Europa League this season.
Marouane Fellaini claims the Manchester United players still trust Louis van Gaal. “We can fight for the FA Cup and we can also fight for the Europa League, so I think we have enough to fight for”. But United have to respond to the criticism that is following them around at the moment which is why I think they will win this.
The midfielder has been ruled out of United’s Premier League games against Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke after he was charged on Monday for elbowing West Ham defender Winston Reid in last week’s 0-0 draw at old Trafford.
The United manager is already without Phil Jones, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Wayne Rooney and long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia.
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Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian are both ruled out after picking up injuries in the defeat to Wolfsburg, leaving the Red Devils with a potential inexperienced back-four of Guillermo Varela, Paddy McNair, Daley Blind and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson. Apparently, van Gaal uses fringe players and reserves to play like United’s next opponent most days building up to a match – goodness knows who performed the role of Wolfsburg’s superb Julian Draxler in training.
