Bournemouth won at Old Trafford for the very first time last season, a thumping 3-0 victory, so can the Cherries repeat the trick and beat Man United for only the third time in 14 encounters?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Preview
Manchester United's inconsistent form continues. Last Sunday, the Red Devils enjoyed one of the most memorable Manchester derby victories ever, a goal down in the 88th minute at the Etihad but still managing to win, with Bruno Fernandes equalising from the penalty spot, before Amad's sumptuous sole effort snatched victory less than two minutes later. Before this, Rúben Amorim's team had lost back-to-back Premier League games, so remain rooted down in 13th place, closer to the relegation zone than leaders Liverpool.
Then, on Thursday night, Man United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Spurs, the pair playing out an absolute thriller in North London. Given that Tottenham were 3-0 up after 50 minutes, most assumed it was game over, only for both Joshua Zirkzee and Amad to punish Fraser Forster for some rather lackadaisical goalkeeping to pull it back to 3-2. Nevertheless, Son then scored directly from a corner, Altay Bayındır not covering himself in glory, meaning, by the time Jonny Evans headed home in injury time, it was too little too late. In short, Amorim has won four lost three of eight matches to date but, with a visit to struggling Wolves to come on Boxing Day, Man United supporters will feel they need to start building some momentum.
Bournemouth though cannot be taken lightly, considering they are three points and seven places better of than their hosts. Andoni Iraola's side were last in action on Monday night, held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Dean Court, despite dominating throughout, requiring a jaw-dropping, long-range free-kick from Enes Ünal at the death to pinch a point. Before this, the Cherries had actually won three on the spin, leading to those in Dorset dreaming of witnessing European football for the very first time. Having already beaten Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham this season, can Bournemouth add Man United to that list of victims?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 22.
- Manchester United Wins: 14. Draws: 4. Bournemouth Wins: 4.
Manchester United Team News
Matthijs de Ligt missed the EFL Cup tie due to illness, so could return, but Luke Shaw and Mason Mount remain sidelined. Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench on Thursday, while Marcus Rashford has not been in the squad for either of the last two matches, a trend that doesn't appear likely to change. In goal, Altay Bayındır made only his fourth appearance for the club at Spurs, it was probably evident why that's the case, meaning regular number one André Onana will return. All three mid-week scorers, Jonny Evans, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad, all did so off the bench, with the latter certainly set to come back into the XI, albeit Amorim's sides continue to be difficult to forecast. Harry Maguire will miss the trip to Molineux on Boxing Day if booked.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Bournemouth: (3-4-3): Onana; Yoro, de Ligt, Martínez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Amad, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Bournemouth
Bruno Fernandes has six goals to his name this season, while he's scored three times in his career against Bournemouth, including a brace at Dean Court during a 2-2 draw in April.
Bournemouth Team News
Julián Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra remain sidelined long-term, but Tyler Adams is set to return at the base of midfield, following back-to-back games on the bench. Enes Ünal scored an astonishing free kick against West Ham, but is likely to once again start the afternoon amongst the substitutes, with Evanilson having started every match since arriving from Porto.
Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie, Ouattara, Semenyo, Kluivert; Evanilson.
Bournemouth Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Kepa Arrizabalaga has never beaten Manchester United in six attempts, losing three of them, conceding 14 goals and keeping zero clean sheets against the Red Devils, so can the Spaniard, who's not overly popular with the Cherries support, change these facts at Old Trafford?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction
We are backing Man United for a very narrow victory. Bournemouth have won their last two Premier League away games, so will certainly believe they can continue this streak, although we're forecasting that Amorim will just have enough quality players up his sleeve: Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester United vs Bournemouth Premier League game on TV channel?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
How to watch Manchester United vs Bournemouth Premier League game on live streaming?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester United vs Bournemouth in the Premier League?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth in the Premier League takes place on Sunday 22 December 2024, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PST).