After a dramatic 4-3 Carabao Cup exit to Tottenham in the quarter-finals, Manchester United return to Premier League duty on Sunday, hosting AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Under Ruben Amorim, the team’s form has been erratic. Four wins in eight games have not been enough to lift them higher than 13th in the table, where they sit on 22 points from 16 matches.
Bournemouth, enjoying a bright campaign, hold a three-point advantage and have already claimed league scalps over Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham. Last season, they humiliated United 3-0 in the same fixture.
Team News
Mason Mount will miss several weeks after picking up an injury against Manchester City, while Victor Lindelof’s knock versus Spurs rules him out here. They join Luke Shaw on the sidelines.
Matthijs de Ligt, absent in midweek through illness, should be available again. Marcus Rashford may still be excluded after falling out of Amorim’s plans.
Predicted Line-up
Amorim has shuffled his starting XI constantly, and another reshuffle is expected.
Andre Onana should reclaim the gloves after sitting out the Spurs tie, with Altay Bayindir dropping to the bench. A back three of Harry Maguire, De Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez could start, flanked by Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia as wing-backs. Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, and Jonny Evans are likely substitutes.
In midfield, Manuel Ugarte should anchor in the number six role, partnered by Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes pushed forward. Amad Diallo may feature as one of two attacking midfielders alongside Bruno, supporting Rasmus Hojlund up front. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho are set to start from the bench.
Expected XI (3-4-2-1):
Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martínez; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia; Amad, Bruno; Hojlund