NATHAN Ake shouldered the blame for Manchester United’s winner as Cherries fell to a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat.

The Dutch defender failed to clear Paul Pogba’s stoppage-time cross at Vitality Stadium – Marcus Rashford punished Cherries by stabbing in from close range.

England international Rashford pounced after Anthony Martial had cancelled out Callum Wilson’s 11th-minute opener for Cherries.

Centre-half Ake had put in a stellar display against the Red Devils, the highlight being a stunning block to earlier deny Rashford from point-blank range.

But the former Chelsea man insisted all his effort had been undone by the pivotal late strike.

He told the club website: “I look at myself for the second goal and that is extra painful.

“I should have done much better, it was painful to lose like that in the last minute.

“I just misjudged the flight of the ball. I was so disappointed. The whole team defended so well and they gave everything.”

Cherries remained sixth in the Premier League following the setback – still ahead of United on goal difference.

But the 23-year-old admitted Cherries had been aiming to reach dizzier heights in the top flight.

“As a footballer you always want to do better. I think it was a missed opportunity to go even higher,” added Ake.

“Before the game we were very confident. You could see that in the first half an hour. We went into the game with no fear and tried to play as we did.

“I guess we have to take the positives and go to the next game.”

Cherries make the trip to Newcastle on Saturday (3pm).