Preview: United to show some mettle against Bournemouth? Mainoo back in the XI? Amass to start? Fredricson to have some involvement?

Bournemouth -v- Manchester United

Premier League

Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth

Sunday 27 April 2024, KO 14:00 BST

Manchester United return to Premier League action with the end of the season in sight. Ruben Amorim’s side will be expected to get some good results under their belt, especially with the UEFA Europa League semi final first leg on the horizon. United have been uninspiring in the league this season but there is a glimmer of hope.

United are out of the race for European football next season due to their lowly league position but winning the Europa League would see them in the UEFA Champions League next season, which would be quite funny to see. United are the only team in a European competition to be undefeated this season, which is a good thing.

It is a shame that this form was not in display in the Premier League this season. Amorim seems to be the right man for the job as he has made some positive changes at the Old Trafford club which will create a foundation for the club going forward. Blooding in talented youth players will be a major positive this season.

United – Form, Goals Scored & Assists

Wolves 1-0 L, Lyon 5-4 W, Newcastle 4-1 L, Lyon 2-2 D, City 0-0 D, Forest 1-0 L

Goals: 17 – Bruno Fernandes, 10 – Alejandro Garnacho, 9 – Amad, 8 – Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, 7 – Joshua Zirkzee, 4 – Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire, 3 – Casemiro, 2 – Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Manuel Ugarte, 1 – Antony, Jonny Evans, Leny Yoro

Assists: 16 – Bruno Fernandes, 9 – Alejandro Garnacho, 7 – Amad, 5 – Diogo Dalot, 4 – Christian Eriksen, 3 – Marcus Rashford, 2 – Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, 1 – Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire

Bournemouth – Form, Goals Scored & Assists

Palace 0-0 D, Fulham 1-0 W, West Ham 2-2 D, Ipswich 2-1 L, City 2-1 L, Brentford 2-1 L

Goals: 12 – Justin Kluivert, 9 – Evanilson, 8 – Antoine Semenyo, 7 – Dango Ouattara, 3 – Marcus Tavernier, 2 – David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Enes Ünal, 1 – Lewis Cook, Luis Sinisterra

Assists: 6 – Justin Kluivert, 5 – Milos Kerkez, Marcus Tavernier, 4 – Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo, 3 – Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook, 1 – James Hill, Dean Huijsen, Luis Sinisterra, Enes Ünal, 

Previous Meetings & Connections

United and Bournemouth have met 15 times in the Premier League. United won nine times, drawn twice and lost four times. United have scored 28 goals against Bournemouth winning three penalties, scoring two. Bournemouth have scored 18 goals, winning three penalties, scoring all three. United needs a victory this weekend.

United have kept four clean sheets against Bournemouth, who have kept three against United. Discipline is an issuer after so few matches with United players shown 20 yellow cards and one red card. Bournemouth players have been shown 30 yellow cards and one red card. United will need to keep their heads.

George Best, Jack Rowley, Ted MacDougall, Russell Beardsmore, Chris Casper, Graeme Tomlinson, Paul Teather, Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Joshua King, Robbie Brady, Ethan Laird, Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell have all played for both United and Bournemouth.

Team News

United: United have been dealt a blow this week as Diogo Dalot has been ruled out for the next few weeks due to injury, which will give Harry Amass a chance to cement himself into the first team after a few positive performances for the teenager. United still have a number of players out of action at this stage of the season.

Ruled Out: Lisandro Martinez (knee), Matthijs de Ligt (ankle/foot), Ayden Heaven (ankle/foot), Diogo Dalot (calf/shin/heel), Amad (ankle/foot), Toby Collyer (other) and Joshua Zirkzee (thigh)

Doubts: None

Suspended: None

Bournemouth: The South Coast side have three players out of action ahead of the clash with United plus another player being a doubt for the match and subject for a late fitness test. He has a 75% chance of being involved in the match – whether he starts or is on the bench will remain to be seen ahead of the match on Sunday afternoon.

Ruled Out: Enes Unal (knee), Ryan Christie (groin/hip/pelvic) and Luis Fernando Sinisterra (thigh)

Doubts: Lewis Cook (knock)

Suspended: None

Predicted United Starting XI – 3-4-2-1

Onana;

Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro;

Amass, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu;

Fernandes, Garnacho;

Hojlund

Predicted Bournemouth Starting XI – 4-2-3-1

Kepa;

Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez;

Scott, Adams;

Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara;

Evanilson

History, training and the lead up to the big match

United and Bournemouth have met each other 23 times in all competitions during the history of both clubs. United have won 14 times, drawn four times and lost five times. United have failed to beat Bournemouth in the last three meetings, losing 3-0 twice and also drawing 2-2. It was the 20 May 2023 when United last beat Bournemouth.

The Old Trafford club have a number of players out of action for this match, which is not going to help matters – especially with a UEFA Europa League semi final first leg clash with Bilbao on the horizon. But Ruben Amorim’s side will have to overcome the challenge of the South Coast club and try and get a win away from home.

United have been largely poor in the Premier League this season, losing 15 matches already this season – seven of which were away from home. United have ten wins and eight draws to their name this season, which is the worst season United have faired in the English top flight in the Premier League era.

Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester United

Written by Paul