Justin Kluivert won and scored a penalty for Bournemouth’s second

‘We are not a tall team’

Bournemouth, who host Crystal Palace on 26 December undefeate in their past five Premier League matches, with four of those games wins.

Huijsen, who opened the scoring at Old Trafford, was signed in the summer from Juventus for an initial £12.8m.

Sunday’s goal was the teenager’s second in four appearances after netting the winner against Tottenham on 5 December.

“We have lost [injured] Marcos Senesi, who is a great centre-back for us and very important for the team,” added Iraola.

“We are not a very tall team, but with Dean, he is a very tall centre-back. He believes in himself – even in this stadium.”

The loss of Dominic Solanke. Who provided 19 Premier League goals last season, was a bitter blow to the Cherries.

Yet they have managed to score in their past 10 Premier League games.

Kluivert, who won the penalty from which he scored to make it 2-0. Now has six in the top flight and is Bournemouth’s leading scorer this season.

‘We have big aspirations’

With Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all out of form, could Bournemouth qualify for Europe for the first time in their history?

Their fans think so – they were singing about European qualification during the win at Old Trafford.

“I think they have to enjoy it a lot. Because normally it doesn’t happen a lot of times that you come to these stadiums,” added Iraola.

“I’ve come as a player and it’s difficult to have this kind of result. So obviously we have to enjoy, they have to enjoy.

“But we know how much it costs to win one Premier League game, just one against anyone.

“To win one Premier League game is very, สมัคร ufabet very difficult. So we have to continue the same way otherwise the results will be much worse, for sure.”

In December 2023, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley said he was confident the club could qualify for Europe within five years.

More recently “We have big aspirations, but we are patient.

“Our goal this year is modest. Can we move to the top eight or nine, maybe even sneak into Europe?

“Our real goal play in Europe, to give our players a chance to experience Europe. Do it with little Bournemouth.”

Cherries fans might need to dust off their passport. If their team keep on impressing like they did at Old Trafford.