Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday in a Premier League showdown that could have significant implications for both teams. While United look to climb from their disappointing 13th position, Bournemouth aim to solidify their place in the top six and continue their impressive run of form against top teams.

1. Match Overview

Key Details

• Date: Sunday, December 22
• Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Referee: Craig Pawson
• VAR: Darren England

H2H Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Manchester United: 3 Wins
• Bournemouth: 1 Win
• Draws: 1
• Last Meeting: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United (April 13, 2024)

2. Recent Form

Manchester United (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)

• Tottenham 4-3 Man Utd (Carabao Cup) – December 19
• Man City 1-2 Man Utd (Premier League) – December 15
• Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd (Europa League) – December 12
• Man Utd 2-3 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) – December 7
• Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd (Premier League) – December 4

Bournemouth (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)

• Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham (Premier League) – December 16
• Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth (Premier League) – December 8
• Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham (Premier League) – December 5
• Wolves 2-4 Bournemouth (Premier League) – November 30
• Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton (Premier League) – November 23

3. Team News

Manchester United

• Returning Players: Marcus Rashford is expected to be in the matchday squad.
• Unavailable: Mason Mount (injury), Luke Shaw (injury), Victor Lindelof (doubtful).
• Predicted Formation: 3-4-2-1.

Predicted Lineup:
Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes, Zirkzee.

Bournemouth

• Key Injuries: Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, Marcus Tavernier, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi.
• Returning Players: Enes Unal is likely to start after scoring a stunning goal against West Ham.
• Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1.

Predicted Lineup:
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Unal.

4. Tactical Analysis

Manchester United

• Strengths: United have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in high-stakes matches like their win against Manchester City.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistency in execution and defensive lapses have plagued Ruben Amorim’s tenure so far.

Bournemouth

• Strengths: Bournemouth thrive on direct play and have excelled against top teams this season, defeating Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
• Weaknesses: Injuries to key players like Tavernier and Scott may limit their attacking options.

5. Key Players to Watch

Manchester United

• Bruno Fernandes: The creative engine of United’s midfield, capable of turning games with his vision and passing.
• Amad Diallo: The young winger has shown promise and could be a wildcard for United.

Bournemouth

• Enes Unal: Fresh off a spectacular goal, Unal will be Bournemouth’s focal point in attack.
• Justin Kluivert: His pace and creativity on the wing will be crucial to breaking down United’s defense.

6. Match Prediction

Why It Could Be a Draw

• Manchester United’s inconsistency under Ruben Amorim may prevent them from fully exploiting their home advantage.
• Bournemouth’s ability to punch above their weight against top teams suggests they will create problems for United.

Prediction:
Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth

7. FAQs

1. What time does the match start?
   The match kicks off at 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT.
2. Where is the match being played?
   The game will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester.
3. Who are the referees?
   Craig Pawson will officiate, with Darren England on VAR duty.
4. What’s at stake for Manchester United?
   United need a win to climb out of the lower half of the table and build momentum under Ruben Amorim.
5. What’s at stake for Bournemouth?
   A victory could solidify Bournemouth’s position in the top six and keep their European hopes alive.