Manchester United will be looking to build on an impressive display and result against Chelsea in the midweek round of fixtures when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford this weekend. Read on for our latest news and predicted lineup.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Predicted Lineup
Back home for a Saturday afternoon kick-off 🕒⚽️#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2023
Erik ten Hag Needs Premier League Run to Silence Doubters
It has been a difficult campaign for the Red Devils but the win over Chelsea displayed high-energy attacking football that has been sorely lacking for much of the campaign. Despite the improved performance, Manchester United failed to kill the game off and missed some clear-cut chances to make the scoreline more comfortable.
The Blues had their chances, particularly in the first half, but United were the better side. Alejandro Garnacho missed a couple of opportunities, including dragging a shot wide in the second half with a clear sight of goal. Scott McTominay scored both goals and was a threat throughout. He should have had a hat-trick, missing twice from close range as Robert Sanchez was kept busy throughout the ninety minutes.
There are several positives to build on after this victory, with the top four within touching distance. This weekend is a chance to prove that the inconsistency that has dogged Manchester United all season is behind the team.
Domestic Relief Providing Comfort in Challenging Campaign
It is now six wins from eight in league action for the club and with Manchester City and Tottenham playing on Sunday, a victory over Bournemouth would leave United on 30 points and just behind their local rivals on goal difference. This was almost unimaginable after the 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace at the end of September made it four defeats from the opening seven games.
The final Champions League group stage encounter with Bayern Munich follows this one and it will be interesting to see if Ten Hag makes changes to his team to keep some of his in-form players fresh ahead of the visit from the German Champions. It is unlikely that Manchester United will achieve qualification but they must secure three points against the Bavarians to have any real opportunity.
However, Bournemouth cannot be overlooked after three wins and a draw from their last four matches. This run commenced with a 2-0 win over Newcastle, who made Manchester United look very ordinary at St. James’ Park last weekend.
Selection Dilemmas with European Clash Looming
Andre Onana made a big save when one-on-one with Nicolas Jackson and has been an ever-present in the side. Luke Shaw has nailed down the left-back role since returning from injury but moved into centre-back when Victor Lindelof was forced off injured at half-time. Diogo Dalot was preferred at right-back to Aaron Wan-Bissaka with both players vying for a starting role against the Cherries.
Harry Maguire picked up the Player of the Month award for November after his composed displays helped to revitalise his career and is currently the number one choice in defence.
🏆 Manchester United complete the PL November Awards trio. ⤵️🔴
◉ Manager of the Month, Erik ten Hag.
◉ Goal of the Month, Alejandro Garnacho.
◉ Player of the Month, Harry Maguire. pic.twitter.com/G1q4GQ6pw0— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2023
Scott McTominay’s importance to this team cannot be understated, he is the leading scorer for the club with five goals. Sofyan Amrabat is slowly growing into the United midfield but there are question marks around his suitability for English football, with Kobbie Mainoo pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
Antony, whom Ten Hag reserved praise for after the Chelsea win stating ‘He is Stepping Up’, has yet to provide a goal or assist and will be eager to break that duct against a side that has conceded 30 goals in the opening 15 matches. Garnacho is undroppable at the moment, with the manager commenting on Rashford’s chances of returning to the starting lineup.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is the best player in this team, while Rasmus Hojlund is still looking to break his Premier League scoring duct after being denied at Chelsea by a finger-tip save from Chelsea’s Sanchez.
Team News & Injury Reports
Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen continue to be ruled out. Victor Lindelof is added to the injury list after picking up a knock in the win over Chelsea and is confirmed to be missing for the Bournemouth clash. Raphael Varane has returned to training and Jonny Evans is available once again ensuring there are options in defence to replace Lindelof. Mason Mount is close to a return, but will not be fit enough to take a place in the squad this weekend.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; Mainoo, McTominay, Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
