Man Utd Clash with Bournemouth: Bold Predictions, Key Battles and Starting XI Revealed

Manchester United aim to break a four-match winless streak against Bournemouth as both teams clash in Premier League action on Monday evening.

The Red Devils haven't secured a win against the Cherries in competitive action since May 2023, suffering heavy 3-0 defeats in their last two encounters at Old Trafford. Both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim have been tactically outmaneuvered by Andoni Iraola on home turf.

United will look for payback following last season's December thrashing as they pursue back-to-back Premier League wins and aim to snap their two-game home winless stretch. They netted four goals against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers to bounce back from disappointing displays versus Everton and West Ham United in Manchester.

Luckily for Amorim, United's upcoming opponents are experiencing a rough patch. They remain without victory in six outings and haven't triumphed away from the Vitality Stadium since late August, though they managed to secure a stalemate against Chelsea in their previous fixture.

Following an encouraging campaign start, Bournemouth have dropped in the table rankings.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter at Old Trafford.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Bournemouth Kick-Off?

Man Utd vs. Bournemouth Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Bournemouth on TV

Man Utd Team News

United are missing two center-backs for the meeting with Bournemouth. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, the preferred options for the central role in the three-man defense, are both unavailable due to injuries.

Ayden Heaven has been deployed in the last two fixtures at the heart of the defensive line, though Leny Yoro might step in for De Ligt and Maguire against Bournemouth.

Benjamin Šeško has been absent since the November international window due to injury, and just when he appeared ready for a comeback, he's been struck by food poisoning. His availability for the Bournemouth match remains uncertain.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to play for United before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, though Amorim has acknowledged uncertainty about their participation.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Bournemouth (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.

Bournemouth Team News

Iraola will be missing multiple key players for the trip to Manchester, including suspended Lewis Cook. He's joined by injured quartet Matai Akinmboni, Ben Gannon-Doak, Veljko Milosavljević and Ryan Christie on the unavailable list.

Marcos Senesi was thought to be an injury concern after his early substitution against Chelsea, but is expected to play against United despite continuing to manage "some issues."

Antoine Semenyo will be looking to make an impact following a seven-game goalless streak for Bournemouth. United are reportedly among the clubs monitoring the Ghana international, who carries a £65 million ($87 million) buyout clause.

Tyler Adams, coming off his Premier League Goal of the Month award for November, returns after serving a one-game ban.

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Bournemouth predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Petrović; Smith, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.

Man Utd vs. Bournemouth Score Prediction

United should be confident following their commanding victory over Wolves, but will encounter a much tougher challenge on Monday. The task won't be as straightforward when not facing the league's most porous attack and defense.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth's disappointing away form and United's offensive capabilities suggest they should emerge victorious at Old Trafford, finally breaking their recent hex against the Cherries.

A moment of Bruno Fernandes brilliance might prove decisive for Amorim.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–1 Bournemouth