Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Match preview and team news

The Football Faithful

Sun, Dec 22, 2024, 4:25 a.m.·4 min read

Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Match preview and team news

Manchester United host Bournemouth this afternoon as they look to make amends after exiting the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Despite a late revival, the Red Devils fell to a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham in the quarter-finals. Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof was visibly distressed after he had to exit the field of play on Thursday night. The Swede went straight down the tunnel with a suspected injury.

Ruben Amorim has a decision to make regarding the inclusion of Marcus Rashford. The forward, who has hinted at an exit, has been left out of recent squads.

Bournemouth salvaged a point at home to West Ham on Monday night due to a stunning free-kick from Enes Unal.

In terms of team news, Marcos Senesi is expected to be sidelined until March after the Argentine required surgery on a thigh injury. Andoni Iraola will also not have Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra at his disposal for their trip to Manchester.

Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Match preview and team news

Form

Manchester United: LLWWL

A subpar performance against Tottenham saw United exit the Carabao Cup in midweek.

The Red Devils found themselves 3-0 down in North London only for Fraser Forster to gift them two goals. Ruben Amorim’s side couldn’t fully capitalise on Spurs’ vulnerability and eventually lost 4-3.

However, last time out in the league, late drama left a feeling of jubilation. Amad Diallo’s heroics snatched Manchester Derby victory from the jaws of defeat as they overturned a deficit late on to win 2-1 over rivals Manchester City.

🌟 @AmadDiallo_19 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Qf7TS4FEEn
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 21, 2024

Despite that win, Manchester United are still in 13th position in the Premier League and Amorim will be desperately trying to push his team up the table.

Bournemouth: LWWWD

The Cherries haven’t lost for four games and have picked up ten points in the process.

On Monday night, Bournemouth drew with West Ham after a sensational free-kick from Enes Unal earned them a point.

Take a bow Enes UNAL! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kXVfd735Wn
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 16, 2024

Prior to that stalemate, Andoni Iraola’s side had swept aside Wolves, Ipswich Town and Tottenham in style. A rare triumph at Old Trafford would see them climb into fifth place for Christmas.

Last Meeting: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United, Premier League, 13th April 2024

Nothing could separate the two sides in the last encounter, as they played out a 2-2 draw on the South Coast.

Bournemouth drew first blood as Dominic Solanke bypassed Willy Kambwala before expertly drilling into the bottom corner. The visitors equalised just past the half-hour mark as Bruno Fernandes blasted in from close range. The Cherries regained the lead shortly after as poor defending afforded Justin Kluivert the time and space to fire past Andre Onana. Fernandes almost levelled again before the break but his effort from distance dipped before clipping the top of the crossbar.

United eventually restored parity for the second time in the contest through Fernandes’ spot-kick. Adam Smith was found guilty of a handball offence after the ball had inadvertently ricocheted off his forearm. The United captain sent Neto the wrong way to set up an entertaining final 25 minutes.

Bournemouth thought they had a penalty of their own after referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot. But after a VAR consultation, Kambwala’s foul on Ryan Christie was deemed outside the box. Neither side could find a third goal as the points were shared at the Vitality Stadium.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana: De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Amad, Zirkzee, Garnacho.

Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Christie, Kluivert; Evanilson.

Who is the referee?

Craig Pawson will be the match official. He will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Akil Howson while Oliver Langford will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Darren England and he will be assisted by Eddie Smart.