RUBEN AMORIM’S Manchester United staggered into Christmas on the back of a chastening 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Bournemouth today.

A year on from securing their first victory at Old Trafford, Andoni Iraola’s impressive Cherries triumphed by the same scoreline as they inflicted the biggest blow of the Portuguese head coach’s short reign.

Dean Huijsen became the latest player to capitalise on United’s lax set-piece defending, before a Justin Kluivert penalty and Antoine Semenyo strike sealed a stunning win that brought boos from the home fans at full-time.

The result leaves the Red Devils marooned in 13th and marked an alarming drop in performance and spirit from last Sunday’s 2-1 derby win at Manchester City, while Bournemouth soared to fifth.

New Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira enjoyed a dream start thanks to a thumping 3-0 success at fellow strugglers Leicester.

Three days after Pereira succeeded the sacked Gary O’Neil, first-half goals from Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes and Matheus Cunha earned a resounding victory over Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s hosts.

A welcome win for Wanderers moved them within two points of the 17th-placed Foxes, who suffered a second-successive thrashing following last weekend’s 4-0 hammering at Newcastle.

New Southampton manager Ivan Juric watched from the stands as the division’s bottom side battled to a goalless draw away to Fulham.

Following the dismissal of Russell Martin last Sunday, the Craven Cottage stalemate secured a first point in four top-flight matches for the beleaguered south-coast club.

Saints sit eight points from safety ahead of Croatian Juric, who signed an 18-month contract on Saturday, taking the reins from interim boss Simon Rusk.

premier league
men’s football
manchester united
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Sunday, December 22, 2024

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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim (centre) after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday December 22, 2024
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