After two disappointing results against Galatasaray and Newcastle United, including a 1-0 loss to the latter last weekend, Erik ten Hag eased concerns of a "crisis" by guiding his team to a crucial 2-1 home victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.
Despite a goalless first half and a missed penalty by Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay's brace, bookending a Cole Palmer equalizer, secured three vital points for Manchester United.
With six league goals to his name, McTominay has outscored all of United's forwards combined (four) this season. His standout performance helped lift Ten Hag's team to sixth place in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Manchester City by only three points. Manchester City suffered a 1-0 defeat against third-placed Aston Villa on Wednesday, presenting an opportunity for Manchester United to level points before City faces Luton Town on Sunday.
Motivated by the chance to catch up with City, Manchester United looks to extend their strong home record against Bournemouth. Having never lost in their previous 10 meetings at Old Trafford, winning nine and drawing one, they approach Saturday's fixture with confidence.
Only against Reading have the Red Devils played more home matches against an opponent without suffering a loss (12). The upcoming clash with Bournemouth serves as a stepping stone for Manchester United, providing momentum ahead of a crucial Champions League tie with Bayern Munich and a challenging Premier League encounter against Liverpool.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Several key players remain unavailable for Manchester United, including Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen (both recovering from knee issues), and Jadon Sancho (disciplinary reasons).However, there is positive news as Amad Diallo has returned to first-team training after recovering from a knee injury, making him a potential inclusion in the matchday squad this weekend.
Mason Mount is still a doubt for the upcoming match due to a calf issue that has kept him out of the last four games. Raphael Varane's availability is also uncertain as he was not involved against Chelsea due to a "sore back." If Varane is unavailable, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans may compete for a starting spot alongside Harry Maguire in the center-back position.
Marcus Rashford, who was on the substitutes' bench in the midweek game, could make a return to the starting XI against Bournemouth. This might lead to one of Antony or Alejandro Garnacho stepping aside, while Kobbie Mainoo aims to reclaim a spot in the starting lineup, possibly replacing Sofyan Amrabat.
For Bournemouth, a number of players, including Lloyd Kelly, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons (all recovering from thigh issues), Alex Scott (knee), Ryan Fredericks (calf), Emiliano Marcondes (foot), and Darren Randolph (illness), are still in the treatment room.
In the midfield, Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook have formed a strong partnership in recent weeks and are expected to retain their places in the starting XI. Philip Billing, who scored as a substitute in the midweek game, will be pushing for a start in the number 10 role.
Antoine Semenyo and Dominic Solanke are likely to continue in the attacking third, but the left flank position is up for grabs. Marcus Tavernier, Dango Ouattara, and Luis Sinisterra are set to compete for a spot in the starting lineup for Bournemouth.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; McTominay, Mainoo; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Solanke
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth, on the other hand, is currently experiencing a positive run of form. Despite their optimism about challenging a Manchester United defense that has conceded in nine of their last 13 games, we anticipate that the Red Devils will find a way to secure three points at Old Trafford.
