Casemiro’s impressive goal in the first half proved decisive as Manchester United secured a 1-0 away victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, bringing them closer to qualifying for the Champions League.

If Liverpool had lost to Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag’s team would have secured their place in Europe’s elite competition next season. However, their rivals managed to come from behind and secure a 1-1 draw, prolonging the qualification suspense.

Nonetheless, Manchester United now only need one point from their remaining two Premier League matches to secure a Champions League spot.

They will face Chelsea and Fulham at Old Trafford on Thursday and the following Sunday, respectively.

This would fulfill the primary objective of Ten Hag’s debut season in charge, with United already having won the League Cup and preparing to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next month.

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Despite missing Marcus Rashford due to illness, United took the lead in just nine minutes on the south coast. Casemiro brilliantly converted a flicked pass from Marcos Senesi, following Christian Eriksen’s floated cross.

Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke had a chance to equalize, but his low shot was well-saved by David de Gea. Casemiro attempted another stunning strike from 35 yards, but Neto made a good save.

In the second half, David Brooks, who was making his first start since his cancer diagnosis in 2021, came close to equalizing, only to be denied by De Gea’s save.

United continued to press for a second goal against a determined Bournemouth side, with Illya Zabarnyi preventing Bruno Fernandes from extending the lead.

Bournemouth had a golden opportunity to level the score when substitute Kieffer Moore shot straight at De Gea, who saved with his leg.