Manchester United v Bournemouth: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for Manchester United v Bournemouth

Manchester United will hope to build on their victory over West Ham at the weekend when they take on Bournemouth in the latest game of the Premier League Summer Series.

United looked fresh against the Hammers, winning 2-1 thanks to two goals from captain Bruno Fernandes. More importantly for manager Ruben Amorim, they played with more cohesion than last season.

It is another promising sign for United with the mood around the camp in the United States distinctly more upbeat than at the end of a thoroughly miserable 2024-25 campaign that saw them record their lowest points total in 50 years.

Defender Luke Shaw believes Amorim is slowly implementing a new culture within the squad that will stand them in good stead next term.

He said: “The mentality is a big thing on his lips.

“I think he talks a lot about it. Ruben demands 100% and that’s it and he doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85 or 90%, it’s not enough for him. I think, especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, I feel like you won’t play.

“It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like. A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years it’s been extremely negative. It can be quite toxic, the environment, it’s not healthy at all.

“We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness.”

With the remaining members of the ‘Bomb Squad’ – Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho – at home in England, it has allowed a sharper focus on the players that want to be at the club.

There are likely to be more arrivals too but United may have to sell before they can buy.

Forward Joshua Zirkzee, who struggled in his first year at Old Trafford, would relish the competition.

The Netherlands international said: “I think it’s part of being at this club.

“To be honest I don’t read the news but if another striker were to come I guess it’s only good competition so I’m not really worried.

“Everything is for the team, there’s no selfishness here, that’s not my mantra. If it were to help the team then great.”

Bournemouth will present a stiffer test than West Ham with Andoni Iraola’s side looking good in the 3-0 weekend win over Everton.

Philip Billing, Dango Ouattara and Daniel Adu-Adjei were on target for the Cherries, who handed starts to summer signings Djordje Petrovic and Adrien Truffert.

Team News for Manchester United v Bournemouth

Amorim has said new signing Bryan Mbeumo won’t be rushed into the first team, although he may be on the bench.

Zirkzee is fit but Noussair Mazraoui and Andre Onana will again miss out.

USA midfielder Tyler Adams is back with the Bournemouth squad after the Gold Cup and could feature. Justin Kluivert is also back in contention after missing the Everton game.

Expected line-ups for Manchester United v Bournemouth

Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven; Dalot, Dorgu, Ugarte, Mainoo; Fernandes, Cunha, Hojlund

Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Truffert; Billing, Scott, Ouattara, Tavernier, Semenyo; Evanilson

How to watch Manchester United v Bournemouth: TV and online streams

Manchester United versus Bournemouth kicks off at 0230 in the early hours of tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

You can watch it on Sky Sports Premier League from 0130 and stream it on Sky Go.

Stats for Manchester United v Bournemouth

• Bournemouth claimed four points off United last season, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford and drawing 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium
• Manchester United have not beaten Bournemouth since May 2023

Prediction for Manchester United v Bournemouth

This will be an interesting test for Amorim’s side. Although it’s still a pre-season friendly it represents a useful yardstick to see if the new positivity around the club translates to performances on the pitch.

But Bournemouth are a good side and will fancy their chances.

Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Bournemouth

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