With a top-four finish still up for grabs, Manchester United traveled to the Vitality Stadium to face Gary O'Neil's Bournemouth.
David de Gea started in goal for Erik ten Hag's strong starting lineup, which also included Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw up front.
Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen made up United's midfield trio. Marcus Rashford felt sick during practice and was unable to make the matchday squad.
Here Observation from Man United's narrow 1-0 win against The Cherries
Red Devils played better in the first half
The first 45 minutes were easily won by United, who were rewarded by leading by a goal thanks to Casemiro at the half.
The Brazilian midfielder entered the penalty area and delivered a spectacular scissor kick to forcefully direct the ball into the Bournemouth goal.
For significant stretches of the game, United had the upper hand and held the Cherries to just one shot on goal, which De Gea easily stopped.
The action was under control and the Bournemouth stars were contained inside their own half thanks to Erik ten Hag's troops in the middle of the park.
When Bournemouth attempted to mount an attack, the defense held firm and stopped them.
The squad was able to maintain periods of pressure and possession thanks to United's assured and composed passing.
Apart from that, Ten Hag would have been satisfied with what he saw. The Reds could have created more opportunities.
United's attack struggles again
As has been the case for the majority of the season, a reoccurring topic of the game was United's attacking line and how difficult it was for the players to score or take advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them.
Sancho lacked motivation and commitment in all he did. Simply enough, the Englishman never appeared game.
Although Antony has been excellent lately, the winger struggled to have an impact at the Vitality. In the second half, he had a clear shot at goal, but he missed it by trying to move the ball to his left foot. Due to this brief break, Bournemouth's defenders had time to recover and assume their proper positions.
The 27-year-old was replaced four minutes before the hour mark because Martial was not as deadly as he had wanted.
Ten Hag was dissatisfied with the selection of Wout Weghorst to replace him, and the France international walked straight down the tunnel without saying anything to him.
It should come as no surprise that Weghorst did not perform any better than Martial.
The Red Devils' attacking players were underwhelming without Rashford, and for United supporters, the summer transfer market can't arrive soon enough. The top focus should be to sign a top-tier goal scorer and potentially further attacking reinforcements.
By defeating Bournemouth, United simply needs to defeat Chelsea or Fulham once more to secure Champions League football at Old Trafford next season.
Ten Hag has stated time and over again that United's ability to compete is crucial, and the Reds are almost there.
In the upcoming two games, there can be no mistakes.
For United's benefit, they are both at home. The team's home performance has been a major part of United's success this season.
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