Manchester United suffered a three-goal home defeat by high-flying Bournemouth for the second year in a row as Ruben Amorim’s men lost for the third time in four Premier League games.

United will celebrate Christmas in 13th position after another below-par display that leaves them with just seven points from Amorim’s six games in charge.

In contrast, Bournemouth are fifth, which could be enough to qualify for a place in next season’s Champions League, given the results of English clubs in European competition so far this season.

United never recovered from Dean Huijsen’s 29th-minute header as Bournemouth exploited the home side’s defensive weaknesses at set-pieces.

Justin Kluivert sent Andre Onana the wrong way from the spot after Noussair Mazraoui had tripped the forward.

Two minutes later, Antoine Semenyo was unmarked as he swept home Dango Ouattara’s cross after Kobbie Mainoo had given away possession inside his own half.

It was another sobering afternoon for United and Amorim, who, for the third time, omitted Marcus Rashford from his matchday squad.

Rashford was at Old Trafford to watch events unfold. On this evidence, United need Rashford back in top form – and a lot more besides.