Memory man Howe

EDDIE HOWE will take a moment to remember Bournemouth’s dark times if his side secure Premier League survival by toppling Manchester United tonight.

Bournemouth will cross the 40-point barrier with a win at the Vitality Stadium against Jose Mourinho’s men which should secure a fourth successive season in the top flight.

It is a far cry from 10 years ago when the then-League One club were in administration and fighting extinction, and their remarkable turnaround is not lost on manager Howe.

“Looking back is a healthy thing to do because very quickly in this game you can get lost and ignore what has happened previously and where you have come from,” he said. “When you do put all the things together and look at where the club has been and the journey it has been on, it’s incredible.

“The players who have been here a long time get it but the players who have joined since we have been in the Premier League may not realise the dark situation the club was in a few years ago.

“They are here to play, not to look back too far, but it does make you appreciate these moments and appreciate playing Manchester United in this situation.”

The Cherries are now aiming for a top-half finish for the second season running.

“If we can do it again and fulfil all our objectives, the players deserve huge credit,” said Howe.