Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, only three points behind Manchester City, despite an inconsistent start to the season.
Three points will be the requirement from Erik ten Hag ahead of this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth, but the Cherries will be equally high in confidence following a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace in midweek.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the match.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Premier League match preview
Form:
Manchester United: LWWDLW
The Red Devils earned a well-deserved 2-1 win against Chelsea on Wednesday, via two Scott McTominay strikes.
Despite injury woes so far this season, alongside off-field issues with players such as Jadon Sancho, United are only three points off the top four, even while losing six times in their opening 15 matches.
Goals have been a struggle for Ten Hag’s side, with last season’s talisman Marcus Rashford only scoring twice, and summer signing Rasmus Hojlund yet to strike in the league.
Start your day with another watch of @McTominay10's #MUNCHE winner ????#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 7, 2023
However, others have stepped up to guide the team forward, with the aforementioned McTominay netting six times, and Harry Maguire, who was close to a move away from the club in the summer, recently named Premier League Player of the Month.
United will be without Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo through injury.
Bournemouth: LLWWDW
After a tough start to the season, which saw the side lingering in the relegation zone and manager Andoni Iraola put under immense pressure, all signs were pointing towards a relegation battle for Bournemouth.
However, after a comeback win against Burnley, the Cherries have turned it around. Iraola’s side now sit 15th in the table and are unbeaten in their last four matches.
Dominic Solanke has seven Premier League goals so far this campaign and will need to be on form if Bournemouth are to get a result at Old Trafford.
A 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace was just the result needed before the Manchester United test, which saw Kieffer Moore score his first goal of the season.
A first @PremierLeague goal of the season for Kieffer ???????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/mWck6xVhtm
— AFC Bournemouth ???? (@afcbournemouth) December 7, 2023
Bournemouth won’t have Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Alex Scott, Lloyd Kelly, or Ryan Fredericks as part of the squad, due to injury.
Last Meeting
Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United, 20th May 2023
An acrobatic Casemiro volley was enough to give Manchester United all three points the last time these teams faced each other.
This win all but confirmed the Red Devils’ Champions League qualification at the back end of last season, and was an example of the strength and experience of players such as Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, who United have missed this term.
Casemiro celebrates his goal against Bournemouth #MUFC pic.twitter.com/2qLUU3CWvc
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) May 20, 2023
The Cherries had chances of their own, through Solanke, who forced David de Gea into several important saves. However, Ten Hag’s side took control of the game and saw out the win comfortably.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Mainoo, Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Sinisterra, Solanke
Who is the referee?
Chris Kavanagh.
Is Manchester United v Bournemouth on TV?
UK and Ireland: Not televised live.
USA: Peacock.
What time is kick-off?
Saturday 9th December, 15:00 GMT.
Odds
Manchester United – 8/15
Draw – 10/3
Bournemouth – 19/4
Read More: Michael Owen Exclusive: Greatest XI of former teammates
See Also: Manchester clubs tracking Lille starlet Yoro
