Abhranil Roy
Manchester United welcomes one of the Premier League’s surprise packages, AFC Bournmouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, for the final game in the current league season. We lost a glorious opportunity to go to fourth place last matchday, and the stakes have become as high as ever for this game. If we beat the Cherries and Swansea City beat Manchester City, only then will we make it to the top 4. Under such circumstances, one can imagine the pressure cooker the stadium will become once the whistle blows. Moreover, Eddie Howe’s side, who beat us 2-1 at the reverse fixture at the Vitality Stadium and who could finish as high as 12th if other results go their way, are making their first ever trip to the Theatre Of Dreams and will play fearlessly. Here are the 3 key battles that could decide the game:
1. Anthony Martial v Simon Francis
The Frenchman has been one of the best buys of the league this season, having already scored 17 goals at a tender age of 20. He was almost carrying the team all by himself at times this season, and will have to be at his best once again if United have to gain all 3 points. He will be up against the 32 year old right back Simon Francis, who is known for his marauding overlaps thanks to which he has set up 4 goals for his team, but isn’t that sound defensively. Martial will be looking to cut in and set up chances for the players in the middle, and his pace and skills should be quite a challenge for his older, but more experienced counterpart.
2. Wayne Rooney v Harry Arter
Louis van Gaal has put Rooney in midfield ever since his return from injury, and that means the United captain will be up against Harry Arter, a hard-working midfielder who shone in that famous 2-1 win his team had over us last year. Rooney has been excellent in that central role so far, and regularly feeds off Valencia or Rojo on the wings with his “Hollywood passes”.
3. Daley Blind v Joshua King
The Dutchman will be up against King, who was once a United academy player and is Bournemouth’s highest goalscorer this season, with 7 goals. The Norwegian striker scored the winner in the reverse fixture back in December, and will hope to inflict more misery on us. Blind will have to be at his commanding best if he was to contain Joshua, the man with an agenda.
