‘We knew we could win. United have lost their aura’

The defeat followed United’s midweek reverse at Wolfsburg, which saw them crash out of the Champions League.

With his Man United side already heavily criticized for not scoring enough goals and playing entertaining soccer this season, the European woes have compounded the woes of van Gaal.

It took only two minutes for Bournemouth to take the lead in the game when, astonishingly, Junior Stanislas curled the ball into the back of the net from a corner.

“That comes with winning games”, he said when asked if United’s fear factor had gone.

“But even when Wayne Rooney comes back he’s got to do a lot more”.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, the Dutchman said: “Two set-plays cost us”. “I don’t think that’s any benefit for me or the players [dwelling] on something like that, we have to go on and I think that’s more important”. I said that to the players because I liked the attitude.

Howe said the player “handled himself with real dignity throughout the process”.

Republic of Ireland worldwide Arter thanked his family and everyone at Dean Court for their support over a very hard period.

Ferdinand went on to suggest United are in danger of finishing outside of the Premier League’s top four, which could mean they miss out on transfer targets and possible high profile replacements for Van Gaal.

“And then to come here, we wanted to bounce back”.

“Of course I’m concerned because we have lost two matches in a row, and that is not a usual thing, so we have to stick together and prepare for our match against Norwich”. I don’t think it is because of (injuries) that we lost. I thought the young lads did well, to be honest.

United had to play this game with a squad that looked like one from a post-season friendly.

“They’ve stepped in and done well”. And forget about the Europa League – there are too many decent sides left in the competition.

However, he is anxious that his old club, who have not won in their last five games, will drop out of the Premier League’s top four, reducing their chances of attracting an elite manager.

Mata claims the players feel angry and frustrated at suffering the double blow of being dumped out of the Champions League and losing to Bournemouth.

“It’s a tough one to take”.

Manchester United finally got found out on Saturday, if you’re of the mind that they’re not almost as good as their point total. When that comes around we’ll deal with that.