Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite a midweek defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, Man United have shown signs of structure under Ruben Amorim. However, we expect Bournemouth to provide a stern test for the home side. United have won nine of the last 18 meetings between the two sides, with Bournemouth winning just once at Old Trafford since their promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

The Cherries’ away form has been indifferent, with only two wins from their previous six in the Premier League. Both teams have scored in five of the last seven involving United and seven of the least eight involving Bournemouth. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the last six involving both teams – so expect goals here – Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth

Manchester United host Bournemouth in the Premier League with both sides hoping for a win to bolster their European hopes.

Date: 22/12/24

Kick-off time: 14:00

Venue: Old Trafford

It has been a mixed start to life at Manchester United for new boss Ruben Amorim, but the team will be looking to build on a stunning comeback win over their rivals Manchester City last weekend. Despite sitting in 13th place, they are just five points behind their city neighbours who are currently fifth. The victory ended a run of two consecutive defeats, and they will be desperate for another to take them back into the top half.

For Bournemouth, it has been an impressive campaign with the club in sixth after 16 games. They are just three points off the top four and are unbeaten in their last four league games. They drew last time out against West Ham, but this followed three wins in a row. The Cherries are just three points above their opponents, so a defeat could see them fall as low as 13th given the congestion in the table.

There should be goals in this game, with both sides likely to get on the scoresheet. The hosts have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last five games in all competitions, conceding 11 in this period. Bournemouth have scored nine in their last five, so should be confident in breaching a vulnerable defence. Justin Kluivert leads the squad with five goals, closely followed by Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson who have four each.

United have also been potent in front of goal recently, scoring at least twice in each of their last four games. Amad Diallo has emerged as a growing influence in his side’s attack, as he orchestrated the comeback against City and scored once more in midweek. Like United, Bournemouth have been inconsistent in defence, with just one clean sheet in their last eight. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford lead the team with four goals apiece, though the latter is not likely to be involved.

Since Bournemouth’s promotion in 2015, these two sides have met 14 times in the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, United have been the far superior side, with nine wins and three losses. However, last season the Cherries were unbeaten in two games against United. The latest game was a 2-2 draw at home, with the reverse fixture ending in a 3-0 Bournemouth win at Old Trafford. Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi were on the scoresheet.

Manchester United vs Bournemouth will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Man United

Mason Mount suffered an injury early on against Man City and missed the tie in midweek against Spurs, and it remains to be seen how long this will keep him out for. Luke Shaw is the only other absentee following a setback in his injury recovery. Marcus Rashford has been left out of the last two squads, with his availability for upcoming games in doubt.

Bournemouth

Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra are nearing returns from long absences, though this game could come too soon with a Boxing Day comeback on the cards. Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo and Marcus Tavernier are all out.

Man United:

In their last five games, Man United have won two and lost three. It has been an inconsistent stretch for United under new manager Ruben Amorim. The first game of this run was a 2-0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates. Their problems from corners were exposed as goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba condemned them to defeat.

Their next opponents were Nottingham Forest, who they faced at home. They lost once more as they were defeated 3-2. They fell behind twice before Forest extended their lead to 3-1. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back but they were unable to complete a comeback. Attention shifted to Europa League action as they took on Viktoria Plzen on the road. The hosts took a shock lead due to a howler from goalkeeper Andre Onana, but United saved themselves from embarrassment as they turned it around through goals from Rasmus Hojlund.

Last weekend, they made the short trip to neighbours Man City for the Manchester Derby. They won 2-1, as they came from behind late on. Josko Gvardiol gave City the lead before Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo turned it around. In midweek they took on Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. United were eliminated in a thrilling 4-3 loss, after they fell 3-0 behind. Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Amad threatened a comeback, but it was put to bed by a late Heung-Min Son goal.

Bournemouth:

In their last five games, Bournemouth have won three, drawn one and lost one. It has been a good stretch for the Cherries in recent weeks. The first game of this run was their only defeat as they fell 2-1 at home to Brighton. Joao Pedro put the Seagulls ahead early, before Kaoru Mitoma doubled the lead shortly into the second half. Despite a red card for Carlos Baleba, Bournemouth could not get onto the scoresheet until stoppage time.

A return to winning ways came at Wolves. They were 4-2 winners, going ahead 2-1 after just eight minutes. Justin Kluivert scored a hat-trick, all from the penalty spot. Bournemouth then hosted Tottenham. They won 1-0, with 19-year-old Dean Huijsen scoring the only goal of the game.

They won a third game in a row 2-1 at Ipswich. Conor Chaplin had given the hosts the lead in the first half, but a dramatic finish saw the Cherries steal all three points. Enes Unal equalised in the 87th minute, before Dango Ouattara netted the winner deep into stoppage time. Last time out, Bournemouth drew 1-1 at home to West Ham. The Hammers thought they won it late on with a Lucas Paqueta penalty, but a sublime free-kick from Unal shortly after ensured the points were shared.

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