Manchester United will host Bournemouth with both teams winning midweek. The Cherries will be looking for revenge against the Red Devils. Erik ten Hag’s team defeated them 4-0 overall in both their home and away games the previous season.
Preview (Manchester United vs. Bournemouth)
After four days of extremely dismal losses to Newcastle United (losing 1-0) and Galatasaray, Erik ten Hag put an end to “crisis” rumors on Wednesday by leading his team to a 2-1 victory at home over Chelsea. Bruno Fernandes’ first-half penalty attempt left the game goalless. Scott McTominay’s brace came either side of Cole Palmer’s equalizer. It rescued the United captain’s blushes and helped the Red Devils secure a much-needed three points.
Ten Hag’s team moved up to sixth place in the Premier League table. They are within three points of fourth-place Manchester City. The latter lost 1-0 at third-place Aston Villa on Wednesday. McTominay has now scored more league goals (six) than all of United’s forwards combined (four). Man United will be motivated by the chance to level the scores with the Citizens before playing Luton Town. They will aim to build on their midweek success by defeating Bournemouth once again. They will then get ready for a crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
In their ten previous encounters with the Cherries at Old Trafford, Man United has a strong home record against them, having won nine and drawn just one. The only other opponent in which the Red Devils have played more home games without losing is Reading (12). This bodes well for Saturday’s matchup. Bournemouth has remarkably collected 10 points from their last 12 possible games. It came after they suffered a crushing 6-1 loss to Manchester City in their previous trip to the North West. Along the way, they have defeated Newcastle United, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace.
Team News
The following Man United players are still sidelined for selection: Cademiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen (both knee), and Jadon Sancho (disciplinary). However, Mad Diallo missed a significant amount of time due to a knee injury. Due to a calf issue, Mason Mount has missed the last four games and is still doubtful. Rafael Varane, who was sidelined against Chelsea because of a “sore back,” will also be evaluated before kickoff. If Varane is sidelined on Saturday, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Jonathon Evans will likely compete for a starting position at center-back alongside Harry Maguire.
After being benched midweek, Marcus Rashford may be called up to the starting lineup against Bournemouth. This would mean that either Alejandro Garnacho or Anthony will have to make way, and Kohli Mainoo will try to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup by dethroning Sofyan Amrabat. For Bournemouth, the following players are still in the treatment area: Darren Randolph (sickness), Alexandra Scott (knee), Tyler Adams, Max Aarons (all thigh), and Emiliano Marcondes (foot).
Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie have developed a solid center-midfield connection in recent weeks, so the two should continue to remain in the starting lineup. Billing, on the other hand, will be vying for a starting position in the number 10 position after scoring during a midweek replacement game. Luis Sinisterra, who started against Palace, will face Marcus Tavernier and Dango Ouattara for a spot on the left wing.
Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth
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