Manchester United close out the Premier League gameweek on Monday night with a fixture that looks routine on paper but has carried unexpected bite in recent seasons.
Bournemouth arrive at Old Trafford with a recent record that demands attention, having won 3–0 there in each of the last two league campaigns and remaining unbeaten in their last four Premier League meetings with United.
That history adds an edge to a match United will approach with growing confidence. Erik ten Hag’s side have lost just once in their last nine league outings, climbing into the top six and rediscovering attacking fluency. Their recent 4–1 win at Wolves underlined that upward trend, though defensive issues remain a concern, with United conceding in 14 of their 15 league matches this season.
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Team news could shape the balance. United are expected to be without Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, while Benjamin Šeško has been monitored following illness. Bruno Fernandes continues to dictate tempo, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all potentially making their final club appearances before AFCON commitments.
Bournemouth, by contrast, arrive searching for rhythm. After a promising start to the campaign, the Cherries have gone six league matches without a win, collecting just two points in that stretch.
Their attacking output has dipped sharply, reflected in Antoine Semenyo’s seven-game run without a goal contribution. Lewis Cook remains suspended, though Tyler Adams’ return offers some midfield stability, and Marcos Senesi could feature despite recent fitness concerns.
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Form trends suggest United carry momentum, but Bournemouth’s comfort at Old Trafford cannot be ignored. The visitors have shown they can frustrate United and exploit defensive lapses, even during periods of their own inconsistency.
While United will be expected to control proceedings and press high, the match may hinge on game state rather than dominance. Bournemouth’s recent struggles in front of goal point towards a tighter contest than previous meetings, placing emphasis on United’s ability to manage transitions and avoid costly errors.
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