Manchester United vs Bournemouth Preview: Team News, Form Guide & Key Battles at Old Trafford

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United look to build on their impressive 4–1 win away at Wolves last week as they return to Monday night action for the third time in a month, welcoming Bournemouth to Old Trafford.

United are currently on a three-match unbeaten run, recording two away victories against Crystal Palace and bottom-of-the-table Wolves. However, their home form under the Monday night lights has been less convincing. Their last two Monday fixtures at Old Trafford ended in a narrow 1–0 defeat to 10-man Everton and a frustrating 1–1 draw against West Ham after conceding late on.

Despite those setbacks, Amorim’s side remain well positioned to climb into fifth place and a potential Champions League spot if results fall their way. Captain Bruno Fernandes will be central to those ambitions.

The Portuguese playmaker produced a masterclass at Molineux, scoring twice and assisting once, and now ranks second in the Premier League for big chances created this season. Since his debut in February 2020, Fernandes has recorded the third-most goal involvements in the league further underlining his importance to United’s attacking identity.

For Bournemouth, a draw at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday extended their winless run to six matches. Andoni Iraola will see this trip as an opportunity to reignite the form that had earlier put the Cherries in outside contention for European places.

Four defeats during this spell have dropped Bournemouth to 14th in the table, a disappointing slide after a promising start to the campaign. This run represents Iraola’s worst since taking charge, with just four goals scored in their last five matches. A key factor has been the dip in form of Antoine Semenyo, who has not found the net since early October.

However, Bournemouth can take encouragement from their recent record against United. The Cherries are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Red Devils and have won 3–0 on each of their last two Premier League visits to Old Trafford.

Team News

Manchester United

United will be without senior centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, opening the door once again for youngster Ayden Heaven, who could start his third consecutive match after making his first senior start just two weeks ago against West Ham.

Benjamin Šeško is pushing for a return after being sidelined with a knee injury since November. His reintegration could come at an awkward time with AFCON approaching, potentially disrupting Amorim’s attacking plans.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui all of whom have featured regularly may also be unavailable depending on international call-ups. Amorim addressed the uncertainty:

“We are still in conversation with the national teams. The game is Monday, they are here, and they are training, and we are trying to prepare all the different scenarios.”

Bournemouth

Bournemouth are boosted by the return of Tyler Adams from a three-match suspension, though midfield partner Lewis Cook will miss out as he serves the final game of his ban following his red card against Sunderland.

Ben Doak, Matai Akinmboni, and Ryan Christie are ruled out through injury, while Marcos Senesi and Veljko Milosavljević remain doubts for Iraola ahead of team selection.

Bournemouth will arrive at Old Trafford hoping to build momentum after a positive result against Chelsea and finally end their winless run. Manchester United, meanwhile, will be keen to avoid another damaging home defeat to the Cherries and extend their unbeaten streak to four matches.

With Bournemouth sitting 14th on 20 points, a climb into the top half remains possible in this tightly congested Premier League table. United, currently seventh, are closing in on the teams above them, and with Chelsea and Liverpool already winning this weekend, this fixture feels pivotal for Amorim’s Champions League ambitions.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports Main Event on Monday night.