Manchester United face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this weekend, looking to return to winning ways.
The Reds are without a victory in our previous three league matches, following late drama against Brentford, Chelsea and Liverpool. However Erik ten Hag’s side have the opportunity to finish the season strongly, starting with Bournemouth this weekend.
The Cherries will also be looking for a response after falling to a 2-1 defeat at Luton last time out, despite taking the lead through Marcus Tavernier. The Hatters netted twice in the final 20 minutes to secure a comeback victory, including a last-minute Carlton Morris winner.
THE OPPOSITION
Iraola has impressed during his first season as manager of the Cherries, with the club currently 12th place in the Premier League, only two points outside the top half of the table.
Bournemouth have exceeded last season’s total of 39 points (currently on 41), and with seven games remaining this campaign, they have already matched their total of 11 top-flight victories in 22/23.
The south-coast side have won four of their last six matches in the league, with three of those victories taking place at the Vitality Stadium.
Striker Dominic Solanke has been their standout performer in 2023/24, scoring 18 goals and registering four assists in 35 games across all competitions.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Bournemouth picked up a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season, however the Reds do hold the upper hand overall in meetings between the two clubs, with nine victories to the Cherries’ three, and one draw in the Premier League.
Our most recent visit to the Vitality Stadium was in May last year, as Casemiro’s acrobatic strike after nine minutes was enough to secure all three points in a 1-0 triumph.
United’s Brazilian midfielder also scored in the reverse fixture in 2022/23, as we recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory at the Theatre of Dreams, with Shaw and Rashford also on the scoresheet.
TEAM NEWS
Marcus Rashford was substituted due to injury during the second half of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, however Ten Hag revealed post-match that’s it’s not expected to be a long-term issue.
Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay all picked up issues during last week’s trip to Chelsea, causing the trio to miss the Liverpool clash. Ten Hag’s press conference on Friday may provide updates on Rashford’s status and if any of Varane, Evans or McTominay are in line to return to the squad.
Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are expected to be unavailable for several more weeks, while Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are also sidelined for Saturday.
For the home side, Marcos Senesi returned to action against Luton following a four-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
Antoine Semenyo may be a doubt after the forward was forced off at Kenilworth Road, although Chris Mepham and Tyler Adams could be passed fit to face United after suffering with illness and back spasms respectively.
Ryan Fredericks, Luis Sinisterra and Tavernier are long-term absentees for Andoni Iraola’s side.
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