Bournemouth deepen Manchester United’s crisis as Liverpool beat Brighton

Manchester United’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued as Bournemouth secured a convincing 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, increasing the pressure on under-fire manager Michael Carrick.

Bournemouth controlled the match from the outset and took the lead after 38 minutes. Rayan finished from close range after receiving a well-judged pass from Justin Kluivert, giving the visitors the reward their dominant display had threatened.

The Cherries doubled their advantage just before half-time. Adrien Truffert created the opportunity for Marcus Tavernier, who found the net in the 43rd minute to complete a highly impressive opening period for Bournemouth.

Carrick responded at the interval by replacing Youri Tielemans with Matheus Cunha in an attempt to change the course of the game. However, United remained unable to impose themselves, with Bournemouth continuing to look the more assured side.

Rayan appeared to have added a third shortly after the restart when he capitalised on poor defending by Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire. The goal was ruled out correctly for offside.

Carrick made further personnel changes as United searched for a way back into the contest, but captain Bruno Fernandes remained among the substitutes.

Bournemouth eventually secured the result when Evanilson produced an excellent finish from a narrow angle into an unguarded net. Senne Lammens had raced out of his goal to deal with a loose ball but was unable to prevent the forward from scoring.

The defeat leaves Manchester United 16th in the league standings, with seven points from eight games. Bournemouth move up to 13th with nine points.

Liverpool make fast start against Brighton

Liverpool eased to a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, with both goals arriving during a dominant first half.

Brighton began positively and had an early chance to take the lead, but Ayari fired over from close range.

Liverpool immediately punished that miss. Araujo advanced expertly down the right before delivering a cross towards Florian Wirtz. The ball took a significant deflection off Pascol Gross and ended up in the net, giving Liverpool the lead after 17 minutes.

The hosts extended their advantage only four minutes later. Alexander Isak applied a straightforward finish to a precise cross from Bradley Barcola, making it 2-0 after 21 minutes.

Brighton’s defending had been uncertain before half-time, but they improved after the interval and prevented Liverpool from adding to their lead. The Reds nevertheless managed the remainder of the contest comfortably.

Liverpool finished the weekend fourth in the Premier League with 15 points from eight games, six points behind leaders Manchester City. Brighton remain third with 16 points.