Manchester United will aim to level points with rivals Man City when they face in-form Bournemouth this weekend.
A crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea relieved pressure on manager Erik ten Hag after Champions League struggles and a disappointing loss to Newcastle compounded troubles for the Red Devils.
Despite a setback against Newcastle, United has won four of their last five Premier League matches, climbing to sixth place and now have the opportunity to match City’s points tally, a scenario unimaginable after a 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby left them trailing by nine points a month ago.
City will face Luton Town on Sunday, almost 24 hours after United has played.
Bournemouth, a side United faces on Saturday, are unbeaten in their last four games after three wins and one draw.
Team News
Manchester United might be without Marcus Rashford, who missed training on Friday due to illness.
The other United players out for this game with injuries are Casemiro, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane
For Bournemouth, they have Lloyd Kelly, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes and Darren Randolph all injured.
Match Facts
Bruno Fernandes created five chances for Manchester United in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, the 22nd different time he’s done so in a Premier League game since his debut in February 2020. In that time, only Kevin De Bruyne has achieved it more often in the Premier League (23 games).
Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League starts, scoring three goals for Leeds United in April and assisting Marco Senesi’s goal last time out for the Cherries away at Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth have won their last two away Premier League games, beating Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. The Cherries have only won three in a row on the road once before, doing so in April this year; in between these two runs, they picked up just one point in seven away games (D1 L6).
Manchester United had 28 shots in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, only exceeding that total in one Premier League game in their last seven seasons, having 29 against Everton in April.
After winning just three points in their first nine Premier League games this season (D3 L6), Bournemouth have picked up 13 points in their last six games (W4 D1 L1), winning three of their last four games (D1).
Since the start of October, only Arsenal (19) have won more Premier League points than Manchester United (18), with the Red Devils winning six of their eight games in that time.
Bournemouth have won three of their last six Premier League games against sides that finished in the top four the previous season (L3), beating Liverpool in March, Tottenham in April and Newcastle in November. It’s as many wins as they’d managed in their previous 33 such games (D4 L26).
Manchester United have never lost a home game against Bournemouth in 10 previous meetings in all competitions at Old Trafford (W9 D1). They have only played more home games against Reading (12) without losing at home.
What was said by both managers.
Ahead of the game, Ten Hag describe Bournemouth as a strong side.
“I think they have very good form, Bournemouth, we have seen them, it’s a very good side, very good constructed, capable players, again you have to play your best. Everyone is killing everyone, you have to be 100% ready as a team for that game, that’s our job to do, to get there.” Ten Hag said.
While Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola predicted a tough game.
“It’s very difficult and we know we will have to be at our best level and maybe that won’t be enough. But the only chance we have is to be at our best level and that’s what we should focus on.” Iraola said.
Probable Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Solanke
