Manchester United returned to winning ways to keep up the pressure on rivals City, courtesy of a morale-boosting winner from Romelu Lukaku.
Josh King forced a stunning block from Phil Jones and David de Gea palmed away a fizzing Charlie Daniels drive as Bournemouth provided a stern early test.
However, a chipped Juan Mata cross found Lukaku, who rose above the Cherries defence to head into the top corner on 25 minutes for his ninth league goal of the season.
Anthony Martial blazed over from close range, before his replacement Marcus Rashford clattered the crossbar from 25 yards as Jose Mourinho’s men searched for a second.
The hosts hung on for three vital points and edge clear of Chelsea in second place, 11 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten leaders.
5 talking points from Old Trafford
Here is what the fans will be talking about on the terraces as Romelu Lukaku’s goal condemned Bournemouth to their fifth game without a win, pushing United clear in second place in the Premier League. 5 talking points.
"Pouring, pouring Man United"
Check out the weather conditions at Old Trafford tonight in this pic!
Bold from Bournemouth
Well that is a statement from the Bournemouth social media team.
They certainly gave United a scare in the second half and forced De Gea into a couple of cracking saves.
However, Martial missed a sitter.
Perhaps a draw would have been a fairer result
United stand alone in second place
Rivals City keep racing ahead, but United get back to winning ways courtesy of a morale-boosting strike for the much-maligned Lukaku
Great block to deny Lukaku in stoppage time
Have we got some late drama?
Another champagne performance from this man
A point blank save denies Defoe from an acute angle. De Gea is a wall!
About 10 minutes to go - can the Cherries steal a point?
What a piledriver!
Rashford, on for Martial, unleashes a blistering strike from 25 yards out on the left.
It pings off the bar and bounces down.
Bournemouth hanging on here...
HOW did he miss?
Anthony Martial has been outstanding recently, but he has had a shocker there!
A Lukaku shot is blocked and the ball breaks for the French youngster.
Instead of wacking it in from 6 yards, he slices the ball over the bar! Oh dear!
Finely poised at Old Trafford
Plenty of promising moves for both sides, but a lack of penetration means we haven’t got any clear cut chances to chat about!
Wonder when Bournemouth might introduce this man...
Will United push on or will Bournemouth bite back?
Lukaku likes Cherry picking
PEEP!
A Lukaku leap
He doesn't look too happy, but it was a smart finish
Lineker's not impressed...
Cherries causing concern
The away side are certainly gaining some confidence.
A simple knockdown from a long ball plays in Josh King one-on-one with Phil Jones.
Fortunately for the home fans the England international blocks a low shot from the left.
How about these early acrobatics?
There might not be many chances to chat about yet, but this is a pretty decent effort from Lingard.
Fairly comfortable for the hosts so far...
They'll have to brave the Winter elements
Bournemouth have to get past this man tonight!
The Red Devils are ready
Home pedigree
Can Manchester United bounce back from derby defeat against the Cherries?
The Red Devils surrendered their 40-match unbeaten home run last weekend, but will be looking for an immediate response tonight.
United haven’t lost consecutive Old Trafford matches since January 2014, whilst Mourinho has NEVER lost consecutive home league matches as a manager.
Eddie hopes he knows HOWE his team can win tonight...
Quadruple change for United
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Martial, Lingard, Mata, Lukaku.
So it’s four changes from Jose following the Manchester derby defeat.
Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford drop out. In their place Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Scott McTominay and Juan Mata start at Old Trafford.