Man United fans brutally mock Steven Gerrard with Phil Jones song in moments missed vs Bournemouth

Ten Hag’s demands clear

It took all of seven minutes for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to reach the edge of his technical area and bark out orders to his players at the Vitality Stadium.

Ten Hag remarked on Friday that one of United’s problems away from home was playing the ball out of defence under the pressure of a home side’s press. And the Dutchman was out of the blocks early and taking charge, pointing and instructing his backline where to play out, and where the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen needed to show for the ball.

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Away end’s brutal chant

United confirmed Phil Jones’ departure earlier this week, following 12 years at the club since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2011. The defender last played for the Reds in May of 2022, admitting a number of injuries have been ‘very difficult’. He made 229 appearances for United, winning the Premier League in 2012/2013.

That was the topic of a simple but brilliant chant from the travelling Reds, who made the long journey down to a sunny Bournemouth. It was around the 20-minute mark when the away end could be heard chanting ‘Jonesy 1, Gerrard 0’ for a good few minutes after seeing their side take the lead through Casemiro.

Antony woos home crowd

The Brazilian was on the receiving end of a sharp elbow to the ribs from Bournemouth’s Jaidon Anthony – accidentally, it should be said – midway through the first half and was down for some time and quite clearly in pain. The home crowd weren’t overly happy with what they deemed an overreaction, with plenty making their feelings known.

However, they showed their appreciation for a moment of class minutes later. David de Gea launched a long kick towards the United winger, who killed the ball with a lovely first touch before feeding Anthony Martial. A light ‘ooh’ went around the Vitality Stadium, with Cherries fans appreciative of the skill on show.

Unhappy Martial

Most of the away end were quite surprised to see Martial’s number come up just before the hour mark, with Wout Weghorst coming on. The Frenchman had been one of United’s most dangerous attackers on the day and showed no signs of an injury that might need managing.

United had just won a corner when the board went up, with Martial leaving the pitch next to Neto’s goal and trudging towards the dugout, far from happy. He acknowledged congratulations from some staff and substitutes but did not do the same for Ten Hag, who was busy concentrating on the game.

Martial eventually headed straight down the tunnel.

Fernandes frustrated

Bournemouth looked to up their attacking threat with around 20 minutes left but that inevitably left them increasingly exposed at the back. That openness allowed Antony to race through with 15 minutes to go, timing his run well after Weghorst flicked the ball in behind.

The Brazilian headed towards goal but was not able to angle it enough to put him on his stronger left foot, but rather than cross to Bruno Fernandes with his right, the wide-man turned back on himself.

Antony’s weakness with his right foot has been well-documented, and Fernandes made no secret of his anger at not being fed such a great opportunity.

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