Manchester United will be eyeing back-to-back Premier League wins on Saturday when they welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils produced undoubtedly their best performance in the Premier League this season on Wednesday evening, beating Chelsea 2-1 at home. All thanks to a Scott McTominay brace, Erik ten Hag’s side bounced back from the disappointing defeat at Newcastle United last weekend.
Ten Hag will now expect consistency from his boys as they enter the festive period of the campaign where fixtures are set to come thick and fast. The Dutchman and Co. must look to build on the midweek victory when they face Bournemouth, who have won three out of their last four games in the Premier League.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have received an injury boost ahead of the game against Bournemouth, with Ivorian winger Amad Diallo returning to training with the first team since sustaining a knee injury during the pre-season tour.
Raphael Varane was spotted in training on Thursday after missing the win over Chelsea with a sore back, but the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen remain on the sidelines. Victor Lindelof also will miss Saturday’s game with an unspecific problem.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana made a couple of key saves to help Man United beat Chelsea in midweek. He will be desperate to keep a clean sheet at home this time around.
Defence
Harry Maguire has become one of the first names on the teamsheet after a string of solid displays. He will marshal the troops alongside Jonny Evans from the back. Evans returned from injury in midweek, coming on as a late substitute against Chelsea but could be preferred ahead of Varane here.
Diogo Dalot could get the nod over Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back again, while Luke Shaw expects to start in his original left-back position after operating beside Maguire in central defence in the second half against Chelsea.
Man United’s defensive quartet have to perform extremely well to keep an in-form Bournemouth side at bay.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat performed well in the engine room against Chelsea after coming in for Kobbie Mainoo, and the Moroccan hopes to retain his place in the team. Fresh from a brace against Chelsea, Scott McTominay is a certainty to partner Amrabat in the double pivot in the middle of the park. The Scotsman will be hoping to add to his season’s fine goalscoring tally on Saturday.
Bruno Fernandes, who missed a first-half penalty against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea side, will be hoping to make a difference in the final third with his incisive passing, movement and flair. He will start the game in the No.10 role.
Attack
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho were excellent in Man United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea in midweek, and the duo deserve to keep their spots on the right and left wing, respectively. Despite failing to open his Premier League account so far, Rasmus Hojlund will be tasked with leading the Red Devils’ attack against the Cherries.
This means Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will need to be content with spots on the bench, along with Facundo Pellistri and Donny Van de Beek.
