Bournemouth thrashed Manchester United 3-0 to heap further problems upon Ruben Amorim as Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo scored in a dominant Cherries win.
The result means Bournemouth climb to fifth in the Premier League standings, while United are languishing in 13th and will welcome Christmas in the bottom half of the table for the first time since the 1989-90 campaign.
Marcus Rashford was once again absent from the Red Devils squad as Amorim continues to freeze out the England forward after his explosive interview claiming he was “ready for a new challenge” and suggesting he wants to leave Old Trafford.
Rashford has now missed this defeat, last weekend’s Manchester derby and the chaotic midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham.
Relive all the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below:
Manchester United vs Bournemouth - Premier League
- Manchester United thrashed 3-0 by Bournemouth in the Premier League
- Bournemouth climb to fifth while United remain rooted in the bottom half at Christmas
- Marcus Rashford left out of the United squad by Ruben Amorim once again
- Rashford gave an interview saying he was ‘ready for a new challenge’ and looks set to leave Old Trafford
- 64’ GOAL! Semenyo sweeps in after Ouattara cutback (MUN 0-3 BOU)
- 61’ GOAL! Kluivert converts from the spot for second (MUN 0-2 BOU)
- 29’ - GOAL! Huijsen heads Cherries in front from a free-kick (MUN 0-1 BOU)
Manchester United FC 0 - 3 AFC Bournemouth
Hopeless Manchester United booed off after Bournemouth thrashing as Ruben Amorim’s problems grow
16:30 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim’s Manchester United staggered into Christmas on the back of a chastening 3-0 home loss to an impressive Bournemouth side that now are up to fifth in the Premier League standings.
A year after securing their first ever victory at Old Trafford, Andoni Iraola’s Cherries triumphed by the same scoreline as they inflicted the biggest blow of the Portuguese head coach’s short reign.
Dean Huijsen became the latest player to capitalise on United’s lax set piece defending, before a Justin Kluivert penalty and Antoine Semenyo strike sealed a stunning win that brought boos from the home fans at full-time.
Hopeless Man Utd booed off after Bournemouth thrashing as Amorim’s problems grow
Martinez: “We have to show personality and character"
16:30 , Chris WilsonLisandro Martinez was the United player who spoke to the BBC after the match, and he had this to say.
“I always say in this kind of situation we have to show personality and character. We are playing so well and unfortunately, we couldn’t score today. We have to believe. At this club, we have to win every game and we know that.
“We are so angry with this kind of situation. We have to work on set-pieces especially. I believe a lot in this team and staff. if they don’t score their first goal from set-pieces then it is a totally different game. We missed many chances today. We have to score. We know what we have to do and we have to change quickly.
“We know how big it is at this club. The expectation is very high, it’s a process and you can see we are playing so well but we also concede goals and we have to work on that. I know the fans are impatient with us. We are the only ones who can change it.
“It’s football and we have to accept it. We are 100% confident that we will get success in this club. It’s a process, I don’t want to point the finger at one player. We win together, we lose together. It is a big pressure but we love that. I believe a lot in this group.”
Kluivert reacts
16:21 , Chris WilsonJustin Kluivert spoke to the media after the match, calling the result “a massive win”.
“Back-to-back winning here at this beautiful stadium is amazing. It’s unreal. We’ve been working hard and we were building last year. It’s amazing with this coach.
On scoring in last 10 games: “It’s our philosophy, it’s what the manager wants from us and that’s why we score every game. We need to keep cruising like this. There’s always something after a goal so you have to be sharp and we scored the second.
“Up the Cherries, happy Christmas!”
Iraola: “It’s an important win for us"
16:17 , Chris WilsonCherries boss Iraola said it was an “important win” for his side.
“We won 3-0 but it was more difficult than it looks when you see 3-0. I think we’ve been quite solid, it was a mature performance. Kepa’s performance has helped us this year.
“He [Kepa] has been very good in possession and with positions. I think he is confident and in a very young defensive line, we need players with experience.
“I am happy that we were more clinical today. We scored from a set play. I think it was a solid performance. Not amazing, but it was solid. We kept playing the same way and pushing until the end. After half-time we regrouped and we were better in the second half.
“I value the 28 points. I think the amount of points we have is good. At Christmas, it is a good amount.”
Amorim: “We have to suffer again"
16:12 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim reacted to the game by saying that it was “hard on” United.
“It’s hard to push for two, three wins and we are trying. This game was hard on us. We suffered again on set-pieces and we were a bit nervous, I felt it in the stadium. The penalty and another goal are really hard here. We tried to score some goals but it was a tough match so let’s move on.
“If you look at the game, we were not conceding anything before the first goal, we had opportunities. If we manage to score the first goal then the game should be different. We want to score but we are too nervous. We have to fight this.
“After the penalty, we need to control the game better because we know this situation is really hard. We have to control better this moment.
“We have to focus on the job and not what you feel in the stadium. It’s the only way I know how to focus my players. We have to suffer again but we will try to win. We will do it until the end.”
FT: Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
16:06 , Chris WilsonA sobering afternoon for United after the derby win last weekend, but there was very little, if anything, encouraging about that performance.
For Bournemouth, they move into fifth at Christmas! That position could well win a place in the Champions League come the end of the season.
FT: Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:57 , Chris Wilson
FT: Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:55 , Chris WilsonThat result means United go into Christmas in the bottom half of the table for the first time since 1989/90.
Bournemouth move into fifth, above Villa on goal difference!
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:54 , Chris Wilson95 mins
FULL-TIME! Boos around Old Trafford as the referee brings the match to an end.
What win for the away side though, as they move up to fifth!
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:52 , Chris Wilson94 mins
The away fans want a penalty late on but the ref waves it away. Maybe Craig Pawson was taking pity there.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:50 , Chris Wilson92 mins
CLOSE! Yoro has to score here, as Garnacho makes the space in the box and cuts it back to him, but the Frenchman’s shot cannons off a defender.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:48 , Chris Wilson90 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time here.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:47 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Two changes for Bournemouth, as Semenyo and Adams come off for Hill and Brooks.
Old Trafford continues to empty as we approach the final whistle.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:43 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Another decent chance for United as the ball comes to Mazraoui right on the edge of the area, but he rifles an effort well over.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:41 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Kepa is delayed for delaying the restart, before Diallo drives a shot over the bar from just outside the area. Plenty of the ball for the hosts, but very little threat.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:39 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Now Bournemouth have a chance, as Kerkez surges towards the box before firing a shot narrowly wide.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:38 , Chris Wilson79 mins
A couple of half-chances for United, but they’re wasted as Garnacho puts a cross straight at Kepa before Hojlund drags a shot wide from distance.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:35 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Half a chance for both sides, first for the visitors after Onana is beaten to a loose ball, but he pounces onto it. At the other end, Fernandes threads a pass to Garnacho, but his touch is poor and he can only win a corner.
The visitors make a change as Billing comes in for Kluivert.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:34 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Not a lot to report at the moment, with Bournemouth just managing the game and United toiling (unsuccessfully) to try and get back in it. Even they don’t look like they believe they can do it (which is probably fair).
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:31 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Fernandes cuts back a pass to Amad, who’s in plenty of space, but the Ivorian can only direct a shot wide.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:30 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Bournemouth make a change as Evanilson comes off for Enes Unal. United are enjoying some possession, but still haven’t made anything of it.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:27 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Better from United as Dalot slips a reverse pass to Hojlund, whose low shot tests Kepa and wins a corner.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:26 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Diallo’s corner is cleared and Adams looks to break, but the visitors are happy to recycle possession before Kluivert is penalised for handball.
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:24 , Chris Wilson66 mins
United almost had a route back into the game, but Ganracho fired straight at Kepa when clean through!
GOAL! Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth
15:22 , Chris Wilson64 mins
GOAL! United have fallen apart!
It’s a great goal from Bournemouth though, as Evanilson threads a great ball between the defenders for Ouattara, who then cuts it back for Semenyo to sweep in past Onana for 3-0!
Man Utd 0-2 Bournemouth
15:21 , Chris Wilson63 mins
A silly decision from Mazraoui and it looks like that could be that, even at this early point in the game. United have offered very little in attacking areas bar one five-minute period at the end of the first half.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-2 Bournemouth
15:19 , Chris Wilson61 mins
GOAL!
Kluivert steps up to take the penalty. He takes a short run up and fires straight down the middle for 2-0!
PENALTY! Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:17 , Chris Wilson59 mins
PENALTY TO BOURNEMOUTH!
Silly challenge from Mazraoui, as he slides in too late and brings down Kluivert. Stone wall.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:15 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Still not clicking in attack for the hosts, with another pass over to Dalot once again not making it to its intended target. They’re enjoying a bit more possession now though.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:13 , Chris Wilson55 mins
It’s a great ball in from Diallo, and it almost reaches a United man a couple of yards from the line, but it’s cleared.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:12 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Mazraoui wins a corner and United make the subs, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund replacing Ugarte and Zirkzee.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:11 , Chris Wilson52 mins
More subs being prepared for United early on in the half. Dalot cuts inside and hits a very tame effort that is easily blocked.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:09 , Chris Wilson50 mins
More frantic play as both sides lose possession too easily. Groans around Old Trafford as Onana plays a long ball over to Zirkzee, but it’s nowhere near the Dutchman.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:06 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Maguire heads clear and Bournemouth have another corner. More potential danger for the hosts.
Not a good delivery though, and United win a throw.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:05 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Half a chance for the visitor as Evanilson beats Onana to the long ball, and the ‘keeper is caught off his line, but Semenyo blasts a shot well wide.
KICK-OFF: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
15:03 , Chris WilsonUnited get the second half underway.
One change for each side, as Leny Yoro comes on for Malacia for the hosts, while Lewis Cook comes on for Smith.
HT: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:58 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a fairly lacklustre half from a United point of view, with the visitors having played pretty well in parts. United did apply some pressure towards the end of the half, but it hasn’t clicked for them in attack.
We’re in for an interesting second period at Old Trafford...
HT: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:53 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:47 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and Bournemouth head into the break level!
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
There’ll be one minute of added time here. United have finished the half stronger, but they look like going into the break behind.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:45 , Chris Wilson44 mins
Great work from Mainoo, who skips past two challenges in the box, but he then sends a shot well wide.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:44 , Chris Wilson43 mins
CLOSE! More pressure from United, as Mainoo lays it back off to Fernandes and the Portuguese fires an effort just wide from distance.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
SAVE! Bournemouth lose possession in their half, giving it straight to Mainoo, who lays off a pass to Fernandes. The Portuguese tries to curl it into the far post but Kepa is equal to it.
From the corner, Huijsen almost heads into his own net, but it rolls just wide of the near post.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:41 , Chris Wilson40 mins
CLOSE! Good chance for the home side as Dalot gets into the box before playing a disguised pass to the overlapping Amad. He lays it back to Fernandes, who sweeps a shot narrowly wide of the far post.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:40 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Bournemouth win a free-kick from almost exactly the same position they scored from, but they take this one short and the ball in is poor.
Moments after, Fernandes tries to slip a through ball to Zirkzee, who was almost 1-v-1, but Kepa races out of his area well to clear.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:38 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Two booking here, one for Smith for that challenge on Malacia, and now one for Ugarte for preventing the away side’s counter.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:37 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Fernandes’ ball into the near post is a good one, and Ugarte narrowly misses diverting it goalwards. United win a corner, and it sees Martinez’s shot blocked before his follow-up cross escapes his teammates in the box.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:35 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Fernandes’ effort hits the wall. United come again with Maguire freeing Malacia down the wing, and the Dutchman wins a free-kick near the touchline.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:33 , Chris Wilson33 mins
The corner isn’t dealt with by the away side and after some pinball in the box, Fernandes wins a free-kick on the edge of the area.
Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:32 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Bournemouth play a long ball forward and Evanilson brings it down well, hitting an acrobatic effort that tests Onana. He makes the save easily enough though.
United go up the other end and manage to win a corner.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
14:31 , Chris Wilson29 mins
GOAL!
Out of nowhere, the visitors are ahead!
It comes from a free-kick, as Malacia gives away a cheap foul right on the touchline. It’s swung in to the near post and Huijsen glances it goalwards, and it nestles into the bottom far corner!
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:28 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Slightly better from United in possession as they knock it around in the Bournemouth half, but Zirkzee can’t bring down the clipped ball over the top before Malacia wins a corner.
From the set-piece, Fernandes’ ball in is cleared.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:25 , Chris Wilson24 mins
This time Kluivert sees the space open up after receiving the ball near halfway, but he slips as he shoots, and it flies wide.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:23 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Ugarte has already won the ball well on a few occasions in both halves. He seems to be growing into his role in this side, though he’s less effective in attack. It still hasn’t clicked for the home side when they have the ball.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:21 , Chris Wilson20 mins
More scrappy play from both sides as Kepa clears a long ball before Malacia loses possession too easily. Moments later, Ouattara swings in a cross that Onana collects easily enough.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:19 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Fernandes sees the space open up in front of him and decides to have a pop from distance, but it’s too close to Kepa. That would have had to been a stunner.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:17 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Mainoo has made a few forays into the box so far but he hasn’t been able to put the final pass in, despite showing some good footwork. It was good defending from Tyler Adams on this occasion to prevent the cross.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:16 , Chris Wilson15 mins
It’s still not clicking for either side in attack, with a ball towards Kerkez flying straight out of play.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:14 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Semenyo’s foul gives United a free-kick, though it’s a far less dangerous position. Fernandes clips it in, but Christie deals with it easily.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:11 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Christie lines up the free-kick and plays a lovely clipped ball into the box, and it almost ends with a good chance, but the flag goes up for offside.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:10 , Chris Wilson10 mins
The first chance for Bournemouth as the ball finds its way to Semenyo and he fires a tame effort straight at Onana.
Moments later, Maguire is penalised for a late challenge and the visitors will have a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:09 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Nothing strange in terms of positions today, with United settling into the setup we’ve become accustomed to under Amorim. Malacia and Dalot are the wing-backs today, with Mainoo and Amad as the advanced midfielders.
Some good defending from Martinez as he reads the run and prevents Smith getting down the wing.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:07 , Chris Wilson6 mins
CLOSE! Half a chance for United as Zirkzee and Mainoo combine in the box, with the England man taking a loose touch that runs to Amad. He hits a low shot first-time at the near post, but Kepa gets down well to save.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:05 , Chris Wilson4 mins
No chances yet for either side, as both are struggling to click in the forward areas. There’s barely been an attack of note.
Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
A fairly frantic start here, with both sides looking to get forward as quickly as possible. There’s no dwelling in possession at the moment.
KICK-OFF! Man Utd 0-0 Bournemouth
14:00 , Chris WilsonThe away side get us underway at Old Trafford.
A reminder that United can leapfrog Bournemouth into eighth, while Bournemouth will go into fifth if they can grab three points.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth LIVE
13:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at Old Trafford now, and we’re under five minutes from kick-off.
A reminder that there are three more 2pm kick-offs today, as Fulham host Southampton, Everton host Chelsea and Wolves travel to Leicester.
Match facts
13:53 , Chris WilsonOnly Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have earned more points across the past 10 matches than Bournemouth’s 17.
The Cherries can win three consecutive away league games for the first time in a year, when a run of four victories on the road included a 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford.
Iraola’s side have scored a league-high eight Premier League goals by substitutes. Their last three goals were scored by players off the bench, in minutes 87, 95 and 90.
Iraola’s thoughts
13:50 , Chris WilsonIn his own pre-match coneference, Cherries boss Andoni Iraola explained why his side are not as clinical as they could be, saying that “the way we play, it makes our forwards arrive more tired to finish our chances - it is not the same chance you have as if you just waiting for a chance as a nine.
“You have to do all of the work and maybe you don’t arrive with your mind as clear to finish in same way.”
On Enes Unal, he said: “He’s not starting a lot of games but he is playing in almost every game. I’m very happy for him and I’m also very happy for Evanilson. It’s a difficult decision and I hope I make the right decision.”
On United under Amorim, he added: “I think they play in a different way [to under previous manager Erik ten Hag]. They keep the games more under control and have really good patterns. They concede very few chances and are continuing [to improve].”
Match facts
13:45 , Chris WilsonManchester United begin this matchround 13th in the table. They have not been lower than seventh at the end of a calendar year since sitting 15th in 1989. Their tally of 22 points is their lowest after 16 matches since 1989.
The Red Devils can win consecutive Premier League games for the first time in this campaign – they’ve lost nine of their last 25 Premier League home fixtures, following a 20-game unbeaten run.
United have conceded eight of their 19 Premier League goals from corners this season - the highest percentage of any team.
Amorim says United “are improving”
13:40 , Chris WilsonIn his pre-match press conference, Ruben Amorim told the media that he thinks his side “are improving near the opponent’s box. We have had some games where we were without real threat but we can shoot, we are near the goal and you really feel it. It is a good thing in our team.
He added that his team are “faster, pressing more and both the physicality and the understanding of the game is improving.”
When asked what would help his players to further improve, he said: “Training. That’s simple. We are rotating players and when you rotate players then it is hard to work on every connection.
“If you always have a different guy next to you in that position, then it is hard to work with them. If we have more time, we will use it to train the team. That’s all.”
How the table looks for both sides
13:35 , Chris WilsonA reminder of how both sides are doing in the league, with just three points separating them.
United sit in 13th, with just 22 points from 16 games, though they could climb as high as eighth with a win – they would go above Bournemouth on goal difference with any win today.
It’s Bournemouth who currently occupy eighth place, with 25 points, and the Cherries could go as high as fifth win a win – they’d leapfrog Aston Villa into what could be a fifth Champions League spot come the end of the season.
Match facts
13:30 , Chris WilsonManchester United failed to win either of their Premier League meetings with Bournemouth last season, losing 3-0 at Old Trafford in December.
Bournemouth have lost five of their seven Premier League away games against Man Utd (W1 D1), though did win this exact fixture 3-0 last season.
Mason Mount injury update as Manchester United midfielder set for ‘long’ spell out
13:20 , Chris WilsonMason Mount faces another “several weeks” on the sidelines as Ruben Amorim vowed to help the Manchester United midfielder through his injury nightmare.
Mount was substituted just 14 minutes into last weekend’s Manchester derby and the former England international has completed 90 minutes just once during his 18 months at the club.
Amorim confirmed that Mount will see a specialist after his latest set-back in an attempt to get to the bottom of his fitness troubles but said he will support the 25-year-old through his recovery.
Mason Mount injury update as Manchester United midfielder set for ‘long’ spell out
Head-to-head
13:10 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met just 14 times before, though the first meeting did take place in 1982. Overall, United have won nine matches, the Cherries have won three, and two have ended as draws.
Last season, Bournemouth were victorious away against United, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford before a 2-2 draw at the Vitality in April.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim looking forward to Old Trafford return
13:00 , Chris WilsonManchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is pleased to be back at Old Trafford for Sunday’s fixture with Bournemouth and eager to put smiles back on the faces of supporters before Christmas.
It has been a gruelling period for United, with three consecutive away matches since a shock 3-2 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on December 7.
Back-to-back wins at Viktoria Plzen and Manchester City appeared to have the Amorim regime up and running, but they were brought back down to earth with a 4-3 loss at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim looking forward to Old Trafford return
Team news
12:57 , Chris WilsonAndoni Iraola has made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 with West Ham on Monday, with American midfielder Tyler Adams coming into defensive midfield as a replacement for Lewis Cook.
Enes Unal will remain on the bench despite his goal in that match, with Evanilson leading the line once again.
Team news
12:54 , Chris WilsonPerhaps the biggest team news is the continued absence of Marcus Rashford from the United squad following his comments earlier in the week.
Amorim has made six changes to the side that lost 4-3 to Spurs in midweek, with Andre Onana returning in goal.
In defence, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof drop out, with Noussair Mazraoui dropping into the back three, Diogo Dalot moving to right wing-back, and Tyrell Malacia coming into the starting line-up.
In midfield, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo return, and they replace Christian Eriksen and Antony.
Upfront, Joshua Zirkzee comes in for Rasmus Hojlund.
Line-ups
12:49 , Chris WilsonMan Utd XI: Onana; Mazroui, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Malacia; Amad, Mainoo; Zirkzee.
Subs: Bayindir, Evans, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Collyer, Garnacho, Hojlund.
Old Trafford, let's hear you roar! 🔊#MUFC || #MUNBOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2024
Bournemouth XI: Kepa, Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson.
Subs: Travers, Cook, Hill, Unal, Brooks, Philip, Aarons, Winterburn, Kinsey.
Ready for #MUNBOU 👊 pic.twitter.com/3lzrFH8pfc
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 22, 2024
Team news
12:42 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released within the next few minutes...
Predicted line-ups & prediction
12:37 , Chris WilsonMan Utd XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Garnacho; Hojlund
Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabaryni, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson
Prediction:
Manchester United will look to kick on in the league having been dumped out of the Carabao Cup during the week. They are likely to utilise home advantage but Bournemouth will not be pushovers and the game should be closer than expected.
Man Utd 2-1 Bournemouth.
Marcus Rashford latest as Ruben Amorim offers update ahead of Bournemouth fixture
12:30 , Chris WilsonManchester United manager Ruben Amorim said Marcus Rashford’s situation has not changed and he remains available for selection ahead of this weekend’s game against Bournemouth.
Amorim left Rashford out of United’s squad for the 4-3 defeat at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup after the 27-year-old declared he wasready for a “new challenge” away from the club.
Amorim explained that Rashford was left at home on “selection” groundsand - if nothing has changed - it appears as if the forward is unlikely to return ahead of the visit of Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford latest as Ruben Amorim offers update ahead of Bournemouth fixture
Team news
12:25 , Chris WilsonMarcus Rashford finds himself on the outskirts of Ruben Amorim’s squad and has revealed his is open to leaving the club meaning it seems unlikely he would feature today. Elsewhere, both Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are expected to miss the game through injury and Matthijs de Ligt looks like a slight doubt after missing the Carabao Cup loss at Tottenham due to illness.
Bournemouth are missing Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra who are both out for a few weeks with muscle injuries. Tyler Adams is fit again after a long-term back issue but lacks match fitness and could find himself on the bench again. Ronald Araujo, Marcos Senesi, and Alex Scott are all out with respective hamstring, muscle and knee injuries.
Why is the game not on tv?
12:18 , Chris WilsonWhen is Man Utd vs Bournemouth?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 22 December at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Why is the game not on tv?
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK. The encounter was originally scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, December 21 but it was moved due to Manchester United reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with Sky Sports showing Fulham vs Southampton at 2pm instead. Free match highlights will be shown on Match of the Day 2 at 10.30pm on BBC One.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
12:08 , Chris WilsonManchester United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday knowing they need to win to propel themselves into the top half of the table.
The Red Devils have been putting in some positive performances under Ruben Amorim, including a 2-1 win over Man City, but they are conceding too many goals which resulted in their 4-3 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford has been exiled from Amorim’s last two squads and seems on the verge of an exit from club though the manager has left the door open for him to regain his place in the team.
As for Bournemouth, the Cherries are flying high with three wins and a draw from their last four matches and will be confident about overcoming an indifferent United side today.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
11:58 , Chris WilsonGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Manchester United vs Bournemouth in the Premier League.
United host the Cherries looking for three points that could take them as high as eighth in the league, while the high-flying Cherries could move into fifth if they were to grab a win at Old Trafford.
We’ll have all the latest team news, build-up and updates here.
