Manchester United’s Performance Highlights a Month of Redemption for USMNT Star Tyler Adams
The month of December has proven to be favorable for American midfielder Tyler Adams. The 25-year-old has been progressively finding his form with the rising Premier League team AFC Bournemouth after being left out of U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s initial squad selections in October and November.
However, Sunday was the undeniable highlight.
Bournemouth’s 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford further demonstrated that Andoni Iraola’s team is a force to be reckoned with. Having successfully worked his way back into the club’s central midfield rotation, Adams’ performance illustrated that he is regaining the level of quality and consistency he and national team fans hope for.
His back-to-back 90-minute performances against Wolverhampton (November 30) and Tottenham (December 5) were encouraging indicators that the injury-prone Adams is on the right path to recovery. Adams managed only four appearances for Bournemouth last season following his transfer. Persistent back issues, along with lingering hamstring problems, have left him unable to shake off the ongoing concerns regarding his fitness.
His single season with Leeds United (2022-2023) began on a positive note but ended in disappointment, as he made 24 Premier League outings before hamstring surgery curtailed his season. Even at his young age, the transfer to Bournemouth came with minimal fanfare, appearing almost like a last-ditch effort to prove he can be a dependable player in the world’s top league.
In doing so, he needed to temper his expectations. Moving to Bournemouth allowed Adams to step away from the chaos and spotlight surrounding Leeds. This transition has paid off, as the victory over United has positioned the club in fifth place and contributed to a five-match unbeaten run. Even more impressive, Adams has been central to this success.
Adams battling with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in Bournemouth’s 3-0 win (Nathan Stirk / Getty Images)
In 2024, a visiting team winning at Old Trafford isn’t a shock. One of the most storied football venues in the world, Manchester United’s home has lost its former intimidating aura. The Theatre of Dreams no longer strikes fear into opponents. As the club grapples with an identity crisis, the Red Devils have become an easy target for criticism. Adams played 89 minutes on Sunday; while his performance wasn’t without flaws, the former RB Leipzig player made his presence felt in Iraola’s high-intensity setup.
His display didn’t invoke memories of Ronaldo Nazario’s UEFA Champions League hat-trick at Old Trafford in 2003, nor will it be remembered alongside Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard’s efforts when they led Liverpool to a 4-1 rout of United six years later. Adams didn’t get a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 89th minute, but the traveling Bournemouth supporters certainly acknowledged the work put in by their American international.
Just 14 seconds into the match, Adams made an early statement with a tackle on United striker Joshua Zirkzee, leaving the Dutchman in pain. Adams consistently plays high-intensity football. This tackle on Zirkzee is emblematic of his aggressive approach. He thrives on physicality, which seems to give him an advantage but likely contributes to his ongoing injury issues.
We have reached a point where it’s almost expected to see Adams grimace in pain during a match or massage his hamstring. Sunday’s match marked his eighth start in 2024, and it’s reasonable to assert that Pochettino must be pleased with his player’s development.
As illustrated in the graphic below, Adams covered significant ground during the match. He played conservatively with two-touch football when in possession, ending the game with one progressive carry and three contributions to Bournemouth’s attacking moves. Adams forms part of Bournemouth’s defensive backbone in central midfield. Iraola’s fullbacks advance high up the pitch, and the players are trained to adopt a high defensive line. This approach supports the team’s counter-pressing strategy but leaves them open to counterattacks. In this respect, Adams displayed strong pitch awareness against Manchester.
He had multiple responsibilities in midfield and remained well-positioned throughout the match. Adams shadowed United playmaker Bruno Fernandes for the entire game, also keeping an eye on the versatile Kobbie Mainoo. While Fernandes had some moments on the ball, generally, Adams made the Portuguese international feel uncomfortable. Whenever Fernandes moved to United’s left flank, Adams was there to confront him.
At a certain point in the second half, Fernandes, Mainoo, and United fullback Diogo Dalot attempted to overrun Bournemouth’s right side. Adams quickly reacted, forcing Fernandes to reconsider his decisions. When Alejandro Garnacho entered the game for United, Adams stayed close, forcing the young Argentine to play backwards. For someone who has seen limited action, Adams showed impressive endurance and stamina.
Adams rarely gave Fernandes significant time and space
Nonetheless, he wasn’t without errors. With the ball at his feet in midfield during the first half, Adams attempted to switch play to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. It was the right choice, but Adams’ pass was too strong, causing Kerkez trouble in settling the ball, leading to a turnover. Adams also stood over the ball after Bournemouth earned a free kick in the midfield half-space, and his quick chip towards Bournemouth forward Evanilson went out of bounds.
Shortly following Bournemouth’s lead in the 29th minute from a set piece on United’s left flank, the visitors found yet another chance in the same area. Instead of sending the ball into the box, the pass went short to Adams at the edge of United’s penalty area. Unsure of how to proceed, Adams delivered a poor ball that barely lifted off the ground and was easily dealt with by United.
Adams isn’t a midfield maestro, nor is he expected to feature prominently in his side’s attacking analytics. He embodies the role of a traditional stopper, with his strengths often shining through when he isn’t in possession of the ball. Against United, Adams comprehended his role and executed it effectively. He wasn’t one-dimensional; although he did not register any progressive passes, Adams was crucial in Bournemouth’s buildup play from the back.
Adams also took up positions on the right side, effectively acting as a fullback in Bournemouth’s three-man buildup strategy. For Adams, Sunday’s display represented a significant move towards earning more playing time. If he can maintain his health into the new year, Adams will play a vital role in what is shaping up to be a remarkable season for Bournemouth.
This bodes well for his national team prospects under Pochettino. Adams’ skill set aligns perfectly with the aggressive strategy that Pochettino implements. A return to form for Adams in 2025 should be celebrated, especially as the U.S. team grapples with their own injury concerns. While Adams wasn’t spectacular at Old Trafford, he didn’t need to be. He was steady, and after a year plagued by injury, that represents important progress.
(Top photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
