Manchester United FC vs AFC Bournemouth, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs AFC Bournemouth Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester United, experiencing an inconsistent season, secured two crucial wins against Viktoria Plzen and Manchester City. Amad Diallo's impressive performance, including a penalty won and a goal scored, led United to a dramatic victory in the Manchester Derby. Despite this win, manager Amorim emphasized his authority by omitting key players like Garnacho and Rashford. United needed this win after losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.   

Their next opponents, Bournemouth, are enjoying a resurgence, currently sitting in the top half of the table. Despite a smaller stadium attendance, their recent form is noteworthy. Young Unal's stunning free-kick secured a draw against West Ham. Bournemouth's attacking prowess, particularly late in games (9 of their 24 goals scored after the 85th minute), poses a significant threat to United's defense. Their dynamic frontline, featuring Semenyo, Kluivert, Evanilson, and Christie, will test United's back line.

Head to Head : Both teams have played each other 14 times. United have won 9 times, Bournemouth have won 3, with 2 draws being played out. The Red Devils have scored 28 goals against the Southern club. Bournemouth have netted 15 against United. 

Current Standings : The Red Devils currently sit in 13th position with 22 points. The Cherries are in 6th, 3 points more than the Manchester club. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

The Red Devils have been on a topsy-turvy spell, losing to Spurs recently in a nerve wracking game at the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium. Both teams were great going forward, but the back lines have been in complete shambles. If United continue that dismal run in the Premier League and lose to the Cherries, it could be the first time that they’d be bottom of the league at Christmas in almost 35 years. Against Spurs in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup, United were guilty of conceding again from a corner kick. 

The Red Devils have now conceded 42% of their goals from corner kicks (8/19). But, United have made up for it somewhat by scoring 4 of Amorim’s 7 goals from corners. The Red Devils will not be happy with where they currently sit and will have to regroup and start picking up points, beginning with the Cherries who they did not beat last season. 

Player to watch out for

Ex-Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo has been revitalised under the Portuguese into an unstoppable force. The Ivorian has scored 1 goal and registered 5 assists in his last 5 Premier League appearances. What a way he proved himself on the big stage against Man City, first drawing a foul and winning his team a penalty, and then scoring the winner himself. His captain, Bruno Fernandes has also been contributing immensely. The Portuguese has now scored 4 goals and registered 3 assists in his last seven appearances. 

Injury - Evans, Shaw and Mount are all injured.  

Man United Probable 11 - Onana (GK), de Ligt, Maguire, Martinez (DEF), Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot (MID), Diallo, Hojlund, Garnacho (FWD).

AFC Bournemouth Preview

Despite the Cherries registering a 3-0 clean sweep of United last season at Old Trafford, they haven’t won 5 of their 7 away Premier League trips to Man United - winning one and drawing one. Andoni’s men have now won 2 consecutive away trips, beating Ipswich and Wolves. From all the teams in the Premier League, only the reigning champions have more shots than Bournemouth. The Cherries have had 8 fewer shots to Man City’s 280 but have only registered 24 goals. 

The Bournemouth front line peppered West Ham with 29 shots last time out, unfortunately extracting only a single point from that game. Fringe players have been effective in producing results with Bournemouth’s substitutes scoring the most number of goals this season (8). With games increasing, workload management and squad rotation are paramount in having a positive season. 

Player to watch out for

Iraola urges his team forward and Ryan Christie has been one of his main men. The Englishman had 6 shots and created 5 chances against West Ham - being a handful to Fabianski. The Cherries high intensity football suits Christie who is most effective when running at defenders. If Bournemouth run out of ideas the easy way out is just giving the ball to Ryan Christie and he will make something out of it.

Injury - Scott, Sinisterra, Araujo, Senesi and Tavernier are all out injured. 

AFC Bournemouth Probable 11 - Kepa (GK), Smith, Zabarnyi, Huisen, Kerkez (DEF), Christie, Cook, Semenyo, Kluivert, Outtara (MID), Evanilson (FWD).

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Winning Prediction

Manchester United have one less worry, now that they’ve exited the Carabao Cup. The Red Devils will surely regroup and go all out on Sunday against a spirited Bournemouth side that was once in the relegation zone at the start of a rather slow campaign. Bournemouth have the experience of winning at Old Trafford and with a fit front line, we can expect a Iraola win.

AFC Bournemouth to Win (1-2)

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