Manchester United went one step forward against Chelsea but have gone two steps back as they fell to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth.
The Premier League giants would have been desperate to build upon their midweek win against the Blues as they rose to sixth in the table.
Crucial fixtures are on the horizon and momentum would have been key as United embark on a challenging week of football.
However, Bournemouth arrived at Old Trafford on a mission and left with all three points as they emerged as deserved 3-0 winners.
It took just five minutes for the Cherries to signal their intentions of an upset as Dominic Solanke scored with a cheeky backheel finish.
Andoni Iraola’s side thought they scored a second before half-time but Marcus Tavernier’s header was chalked off for a Solanke offside.
United fans booed their side off at the break as they failed to take their chances in what was a poor first-half performance.
Matters were made worse midway through the second period when substitute Philip Billing headed in for a Bournemouth second.
Their lead was extended to three just five minutes later, with Marcos Senesi allowing to score a header unchallenged from a corner.
Ten Hag now has two massive games for prepare h.is side for.
Boos were heard once again at the full-time whistle as United fell to their seventh league defeat of the season so far.
The result will be a cause for concern for Erik ten Hag as he prepares his side for two of their toughest games of the campaign.
United return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night knowing they have to beat Bayern Munich to stand a chance of reaching the Champions League last 16.
They then make the trip to rivals Liverpool next weekend, with the Reds a side firmly established in this season’s title race.
Given the opposition they are about to face, United will be aware that so much is at stake in the coming week.
This latest result against Bournemouth suggests they could struggle against their next opposition, with results yet again proving to differ week in, week out.
