EDDIE BIGS UP THE CHERRIES

EDDIE HOWE insists Bournemouth are a match for the Premier League’s big boys – despite a 100 per cent losing streak against them this season.

The Cherries travel to Manchester United this afternoon searching for their first points in seven clashes with the English elite in 2018-19.

Howe (above), whose side have lost seven of their last nine league games, said: “I don’t think we have a problem against the top clubs. The record itself doesn’t sound good, but it hasn’t felt that way.

“People might disagree but, in actual game-play, I feel we’ve been closer to the top six this season than ever before.

“We’ve been competitive and had our moments. But we haven’t taken those moments – and then we’ve found a way to concede.

“Tottenham was one of the strangest games I’ve been involved in. We were fine, created chances throughout but were beaten 5-0. It was bizarre.” Bournemouth lost 2-1 at home to United in November, courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s injurytime strike.

That, of course, was before Jose Mourinho was sacked and replaced in the Old Trafford hotseat by caretaker coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Having watched Solskjaer’s Red Devils win two on the bounce, Howe expects them to be even tougher to crack this time.

He added: “Solskjaer’s so popular within the club, he’s going to give an immediate bounce. That’s what United craved.”