Casemiro shows he is Manchester United's leader in two moments at Bournemouth

Erik ten Hag earned a standing ovation from the Manchester United supporters prior to kick-off. They put their hands together for him again as he strode onto the pitch at full-time.

The season is not over for United but it is now all but a success. Roberto Firmino's late leveller at Anfield has delayed United's Champions League qualification but it is a matter of time now. There is plenty of cause for United fans to put their hands together.

"Jonesy 1-0 Gerrard," chirped the United supporters in a paean to the departing defender. United will have to draw with Chelsea or Fulham next week to defeat Liverpool for fourth place.

Read more: Four United players get 8/10 in the player ratings

Ten Hag, stood on the touchline for almost the entire duration at Bournemouth, preached calm in the 90th minute. He was anything but as United lethargically wasted an attack and Marcos Sensi's stoppage-time volley dipped just over David de Gea's crossbar.

The United manager seldom appeared happy all afternoon. It was another day the performance came secondary to the result and United got the points they needed. Liverpool dropped points against Aston Villa.

This is not a vintage United side. Goals remain hard to come by but they have a knack of grinding out wins. This was only their eighth away from home in the Premier League all season and it was the most important.

Ten Hag repeatedly pointed in his preferred direction to play the ball. He had remarked on the eve of the game that United's hesitant use of the ball in defence was one of the causes of their woeful away form and Victor Lindelof literally stepped up.

Lindelof advanced into Bouremouth's half to intercept the ball and allow Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to collaborate for the