Rooney finally fires as Man Utd finish fifth
Manchester United defeated Bournemouth 3-1 in an English Premier League game hastily rearranged because of a bomb scare, sealing fifth place and a spot in the Europa League group stage.
Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his side's first goal at Old Trafford. Photo: Martin Rickett, PA Wire.
United’s victory overnight, Australian time, will give them some momentum going into the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney scored one goal and played a part in two others.
Playing in centre midfield, Rooney finished off a well-worked team move in the 43rd minute, for his first goal since February, and delivered key passes in the build-up to goals from Marcus Rashford and Ashley Young.
United defender Chris Smalling scored an own goal with virtually the last touch of the game.
Even if United win the FA Cup, the season will have been a disappointment for the team and its manager Louis van Gaal, whose priority and target was a top-four finish. Van Gaal has one year left on his contract and his future remains uncertain, with United linked with a move for the unemployed Jose Mourinho.
Van Gaal addressed United’s fans after the game, thanking them for their “unconditional support.”
“Now, we want to bring the FA Cup home to you,” van Gaal shouted.
“You deserve it.”
The original game on Sunday was called off after Old Trafford was evacuated because a fake bomb was discovered in the toilets of one of the stands.
Police said hours later that the device was left behind by a private company following a security training exercise using search dogs.
-AP
