Manchester United are aiming to bring a three-game winless run to an end this weekend when they visit Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have been inconsistent all season and their unpredictability has proved an issue since the March international break. Late draws with Liverpool and Brentford and an even later defeat to Chelsea have seen Erik ten Hag’s side cut adrift in the race for top four, with the FA Cup the only potential saving grace for Man Utd this term.
However, a win against Bournemouth would exorcise some demons with the Cherries having won the reverse fixture 3-0 at Old Trafford back in December. Andoni Iraola’s side have been in strong form of late and can close the gap between themselves and the Red Devils to just five points with victory on Saturday.
Ten Hag does have a heap of defensive injuries that somewhat mitigate his side’s recent woes, with the Dutchman potentially welcoming a few faces back this weekend.
Here’s how Man Utd could line up against Bournemouth.
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian made some big saves against Liverpool last week, including a top stop to deny Dominik Szoboszlai early in the game. He’s still far from flawless but the summer signing is settling at Old Trafford.
RB: Diogo Dalot – Still not entirely trustworthy at the back but is a warrior in defence, fiercely fighting for every ball. Has put in some strong displays over the course of the campaign.
CB: Willy Kambwala – With Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez out and Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans potentially missing too, young Kambwala may be handed another start after featuring against Liverpool.
CB: Harry Maguire – If Kambwala does start against Bournemouth, he will need the guidance of the experienced Maguire to help him through proceedings. The Englishman has been up and down this season and will need to keep close tabs on the prolific Dominic Solanke.
LB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Man Utd’s left-back injury crisis has forced Wan-Bissaka to shift sides. He’s a great one-v-one defender but is unlikely to offer much support going forward.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – One of the few positives from a difficult season, the teenager continues to astound in the engine room. His composure and quality hit new heights last week as he bent a stunner beyond Caoimhin Kelleher against rivals Liverpool.
CM: Casemiro – The Brazilian is far from the player he was even last season but is one of the few defensively-minded midfielders at the club. With Mainoo offering the energy around him, his lack of pace and athleticism is better protected.
RM: Alejandro Garnacho – Another exciting youngster dazzling in Man Utd red, Garnacho has been a breath of fresh air for the Red Devils. Whether on the right or left, the Argentine is a relentless runner with a few good tricks up his sleeves.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – The skipper scored an outrageous goal against Liverpool last week and is still one of Man Utd’s difference-makers in the final third.
LM: Marcus Rashford – Withdrawn against Liverpool due to a slight knock but should be fit to feature at the Vitality. His form is all over the place but Rashford has been better on the road this term.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – Yet to find the back of the net since returning from injury and needs to rediscover his early 2024 form soon. Man Utd rely heavily on his pace and running in their attacking play.
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