Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth: Lukaku's fine header decides tepid affair at Old Trafford

Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth

A tedious affair, but United will savour the three points. Romelu Lukaku got back to scoring ways to net his sixth goal in five matches against Bournemouth, who had a number of chances to draw level.

David de Gea was certainly the busy of the two 'keepers, but it's job done for United and Mourinho.

That's all from us this evening. Have a good night.

Into four minutes of stoppage time as Mata finds Lukaku in the box. The Belgian shoots, but Ake is there to block for a corner.

Ake surges forward from centre-half and exchanges passes with Fraser, who is tackled by Herrera. King is then caught on his haunches as Bournemouth try to go through the middle. A frustrating night for the Cherries.

Young has come on in place of Shaw. He whips in a delivery that Begovic is all too happy to claim.

Bournemouth really turning the screw as we approach stoppage time. Fraser whips in another corner that is easily cleared, but Cook manages to find Francis. The defender exchanges passes before darting to byline, but his cross is wasted by Afobe.

Huge save from De Gea keeps United in front! Bournemouth's speedy break seems to peter out, but Smith's lungbusting run revives the attack as he is found by Fraser. The full-back finds Defoe, whose first touch is heavy, but he manages to shoot goalbound with venom. De Gea denies, as he so often does.

10 minutes remaining, another Bournemouth corner. Francis does well to keep it alive with a hooked cross but Ake cannot guide his header goalwards.

Delicious ball whipped in by Fraser fails to find a Bournemouth head. Jones clears well.

Final change for Bournemouth, as Gosling is replaced by Cook.

A nice move put together by Bournemouth fails to test De Gea. Defore and Afobe combine well, but the latter's shot is easy for United's stopper to latch onto.

Rashford almost scores one of the goals of the season! The youngster is given space and time to strike from 25 yard and unleashes a howitzer that beats Begovic and rattles the bar. What a goal that would have been.

McTominay looks for Shaw, who finds Rashford. The youngster overruns his cross and allows Smith to clear.

Changes for both sides - Wilson off for Defoe and Stanislas off for Afobe, while Lingard is replaced by Herrera.

Valencia picks out Rashford in the box. The forward finds Lingard, who slips at the crucial moment. A real chance to make the game comfortable for United goes begging.

Really dire second half so far. The only flashpoint of any note coming from Martial, who really should have scored.

Bourenmouth win a corner out of Jones, United clear. Dull dull dull.

Shaw down in a heap as Stanislas catches him late. First United change - Martial off, Rashford on.

Martial almost finds an onrushing Lukaku but Bournemouth manage to clear.

Fraser and Daniels come forward for the Cherries but are soon crowded out. Shaw then tries to find Lukaku with a long, searching cross, but the Belgian cannot connect.

It should be 2-0, but Bournemouth somehow manage to prevent Martial from close range.

Lukaku's shot is deflected by Begovic into Martial's path. The Frenchman sets himself but his effort is almost take off his toes by Francis.

United come again through Valencia, but the Ecuadorian can't conjure anything of note.

A great cross McTominay causes trouble in Bournemouth's area but Martial is crowded out, and Begovic claims.

Bournemouth showing little attacking intent in this second half, with King ploughing a very lonely furrow at the moment.

Lukaku does well to tee up Mata after controlling Martial's cross, but the Spaniard's effort is deflected for a corner, which Begovic claims.

Lukaku tries a few stepovers and beats his man as he surges to the byline, but his cross is easy for Begovic to claim. United come again through Mata, who finds Martial, but the Frenchman overruns the ball and gifts Bournemouth a goal kick.

Lingard and Martial seem to have swapped positions early in this second half. The pair try to link up but Bournemouth intercept and break, though Stanislas ends an attack by fouling Jones.

Lukaku kicks things off. Quite a few empty seats around Old Trafford this evening. Many didn't fancy braving the weather, it seems.

Both sides are running back onto the pitch. The second half about to begin.

This man has been busy so far tonight. He will no doubt hope for an easier second half, which will begin in a matter of moments.

Lukaku in the mood to score, but not smile. The sullen Belgian is the difference at the interval.

Half-time: Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth

Lukaku's fine header the difference between the two sides at half-time. United have looked lethargic and one-dimensional going forward and have De Gea to thank for their lead. The Spaniard has had to make a few smart saves from the Cherries, who will fancy themselves to take something out of this game if they maintain their positive attitude going forward.

Lukaku goes in the book for a late shove on Arter. He can count himself unlucky there, Arter went down very easily.

A much-needed goal for Lukaku separates the two sides as we approach half-time.

Play is stopped as Arter receives treatment after being caught by Mata in Bournemouth's half. The Ireland international is up on his feet and looks okay to carry on. Less than 10 minutes to go until half-time.

Another good chance for Bournemouth goes begging. United fail to clear the corner, the ball falls to Francis in acres of space, but the defender's half-volley flies way over.

Lovely ball from Matic finds Shaw, who shoves off Arter and forces a corner.

At the other end De Gea is called into action again, this time to deny Stanislas. Smith could not follow up with any conviction.

Couple of poor challenges flying around as Fraser and Jones are left in heaps. Lingard escapes punishment for his tackle, but referee Graham Scott deems Gosling's challenge on Jones worthy of a booking.

Martial lays the ball off to Mata, who eventually gets his feet right and picks out a wonderful cross to Lukaku, who heads past Begovic impressively. Great work from Matan and Lukaku, who chooses not to celebrate or even smile.

GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth (Lukaku)

De Gea then has to beat away Gosling's effort as Bournemouth look to turn the screw. The midfielder has too much time in the area and was allowed to compose himself and shoot, but his effort was easy enough for the Spaniard.

Jones again blocks well as King surged towards goal. The Cherries then win a corner out of Smalling, which is initially cleared, but Daniels eventually forces a strong save from David de Gea, who parried away the left-back's low drive.

0-0 as we approach 20 minutes. Martial looks the most likely to make something happen.

Lukaku perhaps lucky to escape a booking after catching Ake late. Referee Graham Scott saw fit to keep his cards in his pocket, but it looked a sore one for the young Dutchman.

Lukaku heads away a Bournemouth corner, but Stanislas' resulting cross is cleared supremely by Jones. United then clear another corner, before Martial is fouled.

Lukaku tries to find an onrushing Lingard but his pass is just dreadful once again. Goal kick Bournemouth, which is immediately given away, but Lingard makes the hash of a cross.

United beginning to assert their dominance as their defence pushes up a good 15 yards. Mata and Lingard link up well, but the latter's pass to Martial is cut out.

Lukaku's through ball doesn't even begin to trouble Bournemouth, who play the ball around their backline. Fraser almost gets a lucky break as a ball seems to bounce in his favour, but De Gea manages to sweep up any danger.

Great play from Martial wins United a free-kick. The set-piece comes to nothing as Bournemouth counter, but Matic quells any impending danger as Wilson lurked with intent.

Smith fouls McTominay after the youngster turns nicely away from the right-back. King then turns Jones supremely but the defender recovers well, Stanislas eventually overhits a cross which Fraser has no hope of retrieving.

Stanislas surges at United but Bournemouth's attack comes to nothing. Lukaku then gives the ball away cheaply, but the Cherries can not take advantage of the Belgian's error as the rain pours down at Old Trafford.

A great fall from McTominay finds a hard-running Mata. The Spaniard's cross is met by Lingard, whose overhead kick goes way wide of goal. Bournemouth regroup.

We are underway at Old Trafford.

Five minutes to go until kick-off at Old Trafford. The teams are emerging from the tunnel/boxing ring at Old Trafford.

Less than 10 minutes to go now. A final reminder of tonight's teams:

Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Lukaku.

Bournemouth: Begovic, Francis, Gosling, Ake, Arter, Daniels, Wilson, Smith, King, Stanislas, Fraser.

Not exactly pleasant conditions in Manchester this evening.

A bittersweet statistic for Bournemouth fans. Can they end their run of four matches without a win against United? Certainly a tall order.

Want to know why Marcos Rojo is not starting tonight?

Wonder no more. Viewer discretion is advised.

Just 25 minutes to go until kick-off at Old Trafford.

A reminder of tonight's teams:

Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Lukaku.

Bournemouth: Begovic, Francis, Gosling, Ake, Arter, Daniels, Wilson, Smith, King, Stanislas, Fraser.

The views of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho ahead of kick-off:

"Total respect for Bournemouth. They are a team for the mid-table that's doing well and manage always to be out of dangerous area, which allows them to play without pressure. I'm pretty sure they believe they can take something out of this game and they come here after a positive result against Palace."

Zaltan Ibrahimovic is once again on the bench for Manchester United tonight, but the veteran forward has still managed to become a story despite barely playing this season.

The Swede said in a recent interview that City boss Pep Guardiola is the most immature person he's ever met, failing to realise that he is 36 and thinks he is a lion.

"The first six months were perfect, then the manager changed system, tactics and it didn't work for me," Ibrahimovic said, the Daily Telegraph report. "I went to talk to him. I'm here to talk, if you think it's for another reason then we can't talk.

"I said: 'I believe that you are sacrificing some players for one player, Messi'. He said: 'I don't think this is the case but I understand what you say. I will take care of it, no problem, I will solve everything'. I thought it would be OK.

"The following game I was on the bench. I don't say anything, I work," he added. "Second match bench again. I thought he solved it well and he was not talking to me or explaining. Third match bench. Then the fourth match comes and bench again.

"I think something is strange. From that moment he stopped talking to me, looking at me. I go into a room and he walks out of it. He was not a bad person, but the most immature I've had because a man solves his problems."

Former Manchester United legend Michael Thomas has had his say on Mourinho's team selection. Thomas played 110 times for United between 1978 and 1981, scoring 15 times.

United have got their deccies out tonight.

Some pre-match thoughts from Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe:

"We go into every game looking to win and that's no different here tonight. I want the same spirit as we showed here last season and we want everyone at 100 per cent."

Shaw's been made to wait by Mourinho. After starting against Spartak Moscow last week, has the former Southampton star turned a corner at Old Trafford?

Manchester United, led by Mourinho, step off the team bus and into the dressing room, where the music will be kept at a respectable level.

The Portuguese has made a host of changes tonight, with Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata and Phil Jones coming in for Ashley Young, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford.

SUBSTITUTES

Manchester United: Romero, Blind, Lindelof, Young, Herrera, Ibrahimovic, Rashford.

Bournemouth: Boruc, Cook, Surman, Ibe, Defoe Afobe.

TEAM NEWS

Bournemouth: Begovic, Francis, Gosling, Ake, Arter, Daniels, Wilson, Smith, King, Stanislas, Fraser.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Lukaku.

TEAM NEWS

TEAM NEWS

A brief pre-match synopsis from Bournemouth's Simon Francis: "It's going to be a tough task because they're a great side, but we're confident and we've come here to get a result."

You'd be forgiven for thinking the title race is already over, after Manchester City claimed a vital three points at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But Antonio Valencia is not giving up just yet.

"We are Manchester United and it's our duty to keep going to represent the club and keep looking forward and try to close that gap as best we can," he told Sky Sports.

"While ever there's a chance mathematically, we just keep fighting."

Some more reaction to the news of Angel Gomes' first professional contract

The teenager shared his delight with the club's official website: "It's amazing and something I've been working for my whole life and all the time I've been at the club since the age of six. To finally get the deal signed is great for me and my family."

Team news less than fifteen minutes away. Will Mourinho make wholesale changes from the defeat by Manchester City? Will Howe see fit to rotate ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool?

We'll find out shortly.

Marcos Rojo may be rested for the clash against Bournemouth – which could pave the way for Phil Jones' first-team return.

Jones, 25, spent most of the month of November on the sidelines, returning from the international break with a fresh injury problem that infuriated his manager.

Rojo, meanwhile, started his fourth game since returning from a serious knee injury against Pep Guardiola's side but was left with blood pouring from his head after clashing with David Silva in the first-half – picking up a yellow card for committing the foul in the first place.

On the subject of Rojo's fitness, Mourinho told MUTV: "He is a brave guy. I don't know how he is – let's see if he can be ready for the match. But if he is not ready, we have other alternatives to play."

On the availability of Jones, he added: "Phil Jones was already on the bench at the weekend. The injury is behind him and hopefully he can stay fit for the rest."

Bournemouth will welcome Adam Smith back into the fold for the clash with Manchester United but long-term injury victim Tyrone Mings has suffered a setback in his recovery.

The news regarding Mings, who received a five-match ban for stamping on Zlatan Ibrahimovic's head, has come as a significant blow to Eddie Howe, who has no fresh fitness concerns to speak of.

"We have nothing fresh," the manager told reporters at his pre-United press conference on Tuesday morning. "We came through the game okay.

"We have a few tired legs and a few knocks, but nothing major came out of the game."

Bournemouth confirmed via their official website that Mings had felt further discomfort and was set to "seek specialist opinion on the issue".

A bit of breaking news from United ahead of tonight's game.

Vaunted midfield starlet Angel Gomes has signed his first professional contract with United. The 17-year-old England youth international is highly thought of by the powers at be at Old Trafford and made his senior debut against Crystal Palace last season.

The Cherries have landed in Manchester. Will they manage to leave Old Trafford with three points this evening? They could certainly do with them.

Good evening and welcome to IB Times UK's live coverage of Manchester United vs Bournemouth.

After almost impressively making a story out of a team merely celebrating a huge victory Jose Mourinho will hope to hear the music blasting from the Old Trafford dressing room tonight, with United currently licking their wounds and reassessing their season after the title race was all but ended by Manchester City on Sunday (10 December).

United are no doubt frustrated by their failure to close the gap on their noisy neighbours on the weekend, and Eddie Howe's side will hope they can take full advantage of any discontent in Manchester as they look to distance themselves away from the relegation zone.

City's 2-1 win against United on Sunday ended Mourinho's side's 40-match unbeaten streak at home. Bournemouth will hope to cause further damage to their hosts' largely pristine record at Old Trafford this evening, and are unbeaten in their last four away matches.

Stay with IB Times UK for the latest team news, updates and reaction from all the goings on at Old Trafford.