Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Who will claim a much-needed second Premier League victory?

Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, with a lot hanging in the

balance for both sides.

They enter this fixture separated by one point in the league, and an identical wins tally,

having each registered one win since the middle of August.

United secured a compelling 5-2 victory over Ipswich on August 30 th but are still in search of

their second league win. Their only other victory in all competitions this season came

through their 4-0 win over Azerbaijani outfit Sabah in the Champions League.

After a heavy midweek defeat to Italian side Como, there is no doubt that the Red Devils will

be looking to put things right on the domestic front with a win.

The task is far from easy, however, as Bournemouth come into this one fuelled with

confidence by their unbeaten form in Europe and a comprehensive win over Ruben

Amorim’s AC Milan. Three wins from three and back-to-back clean sheets in the Europa

League has ignited a renewed sense of optimism in The Cherries’ European campaign.

Marco Rose’s side have also experienced a difficult start domestically having picked up their

only league win last weekend in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland and will value the chance to

consolidate winning consistency tomorrow.

Key Stats:

Both fixtures between the two sides in the Premier League last season ended in draws. The

first of those was a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in December 2025, with captain Bruno

Fernandes making it onto the scoresheet alongside Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha and

Casemiro.

The second meeting of that season finished with a 2-2 scoreline as a 10-men United

conceded a late penalty which was converted by Eli Junior Kroupi.

The last time that Manchester United registered a league win against Bournemouth was

during the 2022/23 season. The Cherries’ first campaign after their most recent promotion.

A Casemiro goal inside 10 minutes proved the difference at The Vitality.

Team News:

Manchester United - Carrick announced that several senior players will be missing from

tomorrow’s squad through injury. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw missed out in

midweek and are not expected to feature. Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte remain longer-term absentees. Lisandro Martinez could make a return to United’s squad despite not travelling to Como on Wednesday, as could Marcus Rashford following a hip injury.

Bournemouth – For Bournemouth, Alex Scott remains sidelined with a thigh injury after he

withdrew from international duty with England at the start of October. Julian Araujo is also unavailable as he continues to recover from surgery on his thigh and is not expected to make a swift return. Kroupi is expected to return to the matchday squad, following an extended absence after picking up a fracture during pre-season.

Predicted Starting XI’s:

Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Martinez , Maguire, Yoro, Baleba, Santos, Tielemans,

Amad, Fernandes, Mbuemo

Bournemouth: Petrovic, Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert, Adams, Rayan, Christie, Tavanier,

Kluivert, Evanilson.