BOURNEMOUTH, England — Manchester United is in touching distance of a return to the Champions League after beating Bournemouth 1-0 on Saturday to strengthen its place within the prime 4 of the Premier League.

The win - sealed by Casemiro’s close-range overhead kick within the ninth minute - moved United three factors away from fifth-place Liverpool, which drew 1-1 with Aston Villa and solely has one recreation left to play.

United solely requires a degree from its ultimate two video games, at residence to Chelsea and Fulham, to get again into the Champions League after a one-season absence. That can be yet one more constructive for United in a powerful first season beneath Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, who has already guided the staff to the English League Cup trophy in addition to a spot within the FA Cup ultimate in opposition to Manchester City on June 3.

Being within the Champions League ought to see United entice greater names within the offseason switch window, whereas including extra worth to a membership that's up on the market and the topic of provides from Qatar and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.

It was possibly becoming {that a} objective by Casemiro moved United so near that top-four place, with the Brazil midfielder enjoying an influential function since becoming a member of from Real Madrid final yr and working the sport at Vitality Stadium.

His objective got here from a uncommon foray ahead. Christian Eriksen clipped a move over the protection and into the penalty space towards Casemiro, who reacted to the ball taking a slight deflection off a Bournemouth participant by adjusting his physique and acrobatically volleying in off the submit along with his again to objective.

PHOTOS: Manchester United in sight of Champions League return after 1-0 win at Bournemouth

United was with out Marcus Rashford due to an sickness and that impacted the guests’ attacking risk in opposition to a Bournemouth staff already protected from relegation and with little to play for.

United wanted a save along with his legs by David De Gea from substitute Kieffer Moore to protect the clear sheet and win.

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