Casemiro’s superb acrobatic volley gave Manchester United a 1-0 Premier League victory at Bournemouth on Saturday, bringing them closer to next season’s Champions League.
United moved up to 69 points and fourth place in the table, trailing Newcastle United by goal difference and needing one point from next week’s home games against Chelsea and Fulham to return to the most prestigious competition in European club football.
Fifth-placed Liverpool, who have 66 points after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, will face relegated Southampton on the final day of the season.
The visitors dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead in the ninth minute when Cherries defender Marcos Senesi failed to intercept a Christian Eriksen pass behind the defence, instead setting up Casemiro for a spectacular twisting volley.
Dominic Solanke controlled a long ball into the box and unleashed a shot that David De Gea dove to his left to save midway through the first half as the host team found its footing.
This prompted a brief period of improvement for Bournemouth, as Victor Lindelof was forced to make a number of defensive headers, but the Cherries were quickly put on the back foot as United reclaimed control in the second half.
One of Sancho best performances this season vs. Bournemouth. Sharp on and off the ball. Confident touches, slick passing, variation in decision-making with the ball at his feet & some good regains in the oppositions half. Looked mentally sharp & physically fit. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/lLzm9ksIwo
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 20, 2023
Winger Antony squandered a number of good opportunities, while substitute Wout Weghorst and midfielder Bruno Fernandes both forced fine saves from goalkeeper Neto, and it appeared that it was only a question of time before United scored again.
Late in the game, substitute Kieffer Moore nearly made them pay for their sloppy finishing, but De Gea blocked his shot to forestall the danger.
David de Gea has secured the Premier League Golden Glove outright this season with 17 clean sheets 🌟🧤 pic.twitter.com/SXTKvTVPLZ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 20, 2023
Senesi had one final opportunity for the home team, but his shot just missed the crossbar, and United held on for a victory that provoked wild celebrations from the away fans.