Manchester United will look to go level on points with rivals Man City when they host in-form Bournemouth this weekend.
The Red Devils claimed a huge 2-1 victory over Chelsea in midweek to ease the growing pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag oversaw United’s ninth league win of the seasonGetty
United’s Champions League struggles followed by a dismal defeat to Newcastle had suggested the wheels were coming off at Old Trafford.
However, United answered many critics by sweeping aside Chelsea to move up to sixth meaning defeat to the Toon remains their only blemish in their last five Premier League matches.
The club now have the chance to go level on points with City, who face Luton Town on Sunday.
The remarkable turnaround would have been unthinkable before that five-game run, with United’s 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby leaving them nine points adrift of their neighbours.
Man United v Bournemouth: Rashford revival
Marcus Rashford will be feeling the pressure as he desperately bids to kickstart his faltering season.
Rashford was omitted from Erik ten Hag’s starting XI for Wednesday night’s clash following his anonymous display during Man United‘s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Some boos were heard at Old Trafford as the 26-year-old was introduced late on against Chelsea with the Red Devils 2-1 up.
Rashford, who was criticised by Ten Hag earlier this season, is set to return to the starting line-up for the visit of Bournemouth and the Cherries fixture could be just what he needs.
Arsenal are the only current Premier League side Rashford has more top-flight goals against than the south-coast outfit.
The England star has scored in four of his last five league games against Bournemouth, including his last three at Old Trafford.
- Only against Leicester City (8) and Arsenal (6) does Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford have more Premier League goals than he has against Bournemouth (5). Rashford has scored in four of his last five league games against the Cherries, including his last three at Old Trafford.
- Bruno Fernandes created five chances for Manchester United in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, the 22nd different time he’s done so in a Premier League game since his debut in February 2020. In that time, only Kevin De Bruyne has achieved it more often in the Premier League (23 games).
- Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League starts, scoring three goals for Leeds United in April and assisting Marco Senesi’s goal last time out for the Cherries away at Crystal Palace.
Man United v Bournemouth: Team news
The hosts still have several injury concerns to contend with, with Raphael Varane becoming the latest to be sidelined.
Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount all remain in the treatment room.
Jadon Sancho remains unavailable for selection following a public fallout with Ten Hag.
The visitors have a lengthy absentee list as well, with Lloyd Kelly, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes and Darren Randolph all injured.
Bournemouth have three wins and one draw from their last four gamesGetty
- Bournemouth have won their last two away Premier League games, beating Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. The Cherries have only won three in a row on the road once before, doing so in April this year; in between these two runs, they picked up just one point in seven away games (D1 L6).
- Manchester United had 28 shots in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, only exceeding that total in one Premier League game in their last seven seasons, having 29 against Everton in April.
- After winning just three points in their first nine Premier League games this season (D3 L6), Bournemouth have picked up 13 points in their last six games (W4 D1 L1), winning three of their last four games (D1).
Man United v Bournemouth: What has been said?
Scott McTominay was United’s hero against Chelsea as he scored twice to continue his fine form and secure a vital victory.
“He had a very important role. I admire the player,” Ten Hag said.
“He had an important role to pick them up, defend them, and press them but also, in possession, take benefit.
“He did several times and he came several times into good scoring positions.”
McTominay has provided unexpected firepower for Man United this season
- Since the start of October, only Arsenal (19) have won more Premier League points than Manchester United (18), with the Red Devils winning six of their eight games in that time.
- Bournemouth have won three of their last six Premier League games against sides that finished in the top four the previous season (L3), beating Liverpool in March, Tottenham in April and Newcastle in November. It’s as many wins as they’d managed in their previous 33 such games (D4 L26).
- Bournemouth won their first Premier League game against Man Utd in December 2015, but have since picked up just four points in 11 games against the Red Devils (W1 D1 L9).
- Manchester United have never lost a home game against Bournemouth in 10 previous meetings in all competitions at Old Trafford (W9 D1). They have only played more home games against Reading (12) without losing at home.
Man United v Bournemouth: How to follow
This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, December 9.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 3pm.
Unfortunately, this fixture will not be televised on UK screens due to the 3pm blackout in English football.
However, highlights will be available on the Sky Sports website and app shortly after the end of the match and then later on Match of the Day.
talkSPORT will keep you up to date with all the action on GameDay Live with Adrian Durham.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
