Manchester United had a massive boost following their brilliant win against Manchester City in their last league game. But they failed to hold the momentum as Tottenham Hotspur smashed them in the EFL Cup, eliminating them from the tournament. However, the Red Devils are now ready to be back in Premier League action when they welcome AFC Bournemouth today at Old Trafford.
Since half of the season has gone, every game is now very crucial for Man United to enter the top four. They are now in 13th with 22 points, but a win over Bournemouth would move them to the 6th.
Despite the defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, Man United’s boss Ruben Amorim believes his side is improving match by match. The manager said, “I think we are improving near the opponents’ box. We had some games that we are near the box, but without a real threat. You could see different things today and you can see that we can shoot. We are near the goal and you feel it. I think it is a good thing in our team. I feel that our team is faster, is pressing more, the physicality is improving, the understanding of the game, and you can see it by the controlling of the game and you see it more.”
Stats & Facts
- AFC Bournemouth are unbeaten in each of their last four league games, winning three successive matches. Meanwhile, Man United have suffered two defeats in their last four games in the league.
- Man United failed to win any of their last two meetings against Bournemouth last season. In fact, they lost to Bournemouth in their last game at Old Trafford.
- Man United have won five of their previous 7 home meetings with Bournemouth, although they lost the most recent one.
- Bournemouth have won their last two away games in the league. They have not won three successive away matches this season.
Team News
Man United’s poster boy Marcus Rashford was not selected for the Manchester Derby and the match against Tottenham Hotspur. There is a strong possibility that the England international will leave Man United in the upcoming transfer window. Although the manager confirmed that Rashford is available for selection, he is still uncertain against Bournemouth.
Midfielder Mason Mount picked up another injury and has gone out of the team for an unspecified time. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof is also in doubt as he got a knock during the match against the Spurs.
As for Bournemouth, they will miss the service of Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, and Marcus Tavernier due to their respective injuries.
Possible Lineup for Man United:
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Possible Lineup for Bournemouth:
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Unal
Prediction: Man United 3-2 Bournemouth
Since Amorim joined Man United, they have been playing more attacking football. Man United have been getting goals in this new 3-2-4-1 formation. They have scored twice against Man City and thrice against Tottenham in their last two games. Therefore, it should not be difficult for the Red Devils to find the net against Bournemouth.
However, Bournemouth are in a good rhythm as well. They have the ability to break Man United’s defense. So we are expecting a high-scoring match tonight at Old Trafford.
Betfair Odds
Man United: 1.81
Draw: 3.94
Bournemouth: 4.32
Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets!
