Bournemouth vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw or Bournemouth win
• Semenyo to score or assist

With just a handful of games left to play, Bournemouth remain within striking distance of the Premier League’s top seven – and with it, potential European qualification. A run of just one win in their last eight league matches (D3, L4) has threatened to derail that dream, but a modest upturn in form – including back-to-back clean sheets – has kept the Cherries in the mix.

Andoni Iraola’s men are now unbeaten in their last three matches (W1, D2), and if they can make it three clean sheets in a row here, they’ll match a defensive feat not seen at the Vitality Stadium since November 2019. Coincidentally, the last time Bournemouth managed three successive Premier League shutouts, the third game was a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Recent record favours the Cherries

While United’s pedigree speaks for itself, Bournemouth have proven tricky customers for the Red Devils of late. The Cherries have earned seven points from their last three league meetings with United (W2, D1) – a stark improvement on their return from the previous 12 H2Hs (W2, D1, L9).

The reverse fixture this season was particularly memorable, with Bournemouth thumping United 3-0 at Old Trafford, a result that remains one of the standout performances of their campaign. Replicating that level of performance at home would not only add another historic win to their record but could place them firmly in the frame for a top-eight finish that may offer a UEFA Europa Conference League berth.

Manchester United’s focus may lie elsewhere

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side must strike a tricky balance. This fixture comes just days before their season-defining UEFA Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club – the only route left to silverware and a guaranteed place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

That continental distraction could influence Amorim’s team selection and rotation strategy, especially after a bruising 1-0 loss to Wolves last time out, which saw United suffer their fifth Premier League double of the season. One more – and Bournemouth could be the team to deliver it – would make it United’s worst return in that category since 1930/31.

Their away form hasn’t offered much encouragement either. Having lost each of their last two Premier League matches on the road, United are in danger of losing three away league games in a row for the first time since 2022 – a stat that illustrates the inconsistency that has plagued Amorim’s domestic campaign.

Head-to-head stats & trends

• Bournemouth have conceded just once in their last three league matches.
• Manchester United have conceded eight goals across their last three league meetings with Bournemouth.
• The Red Devils are unbeaten in all 10 Premier League matches this season when scoring first (W6, D4).
• United’s last visit to the Vitality Stadium ended in a 1-0 win during the 2023/24 campaign.

Key battles and players to watch

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

The Ghanaian forward has been a constant threat all season and will once again shoulder Bournemouth’s attacking burden.

Semenyo leads the league in attempted shots with 116 pre-round, and one of those efforts closed the scoring in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford. His directness and eye for goal make him a persistent menace for a United defence that has looked increasingly fragile.

Casemiro (Manchester United)

The Brazilian midfielder has a fine personal record against Bournemouth, contributing two goals and an assist across three previous appearances.

After a strong showing in United’s recent Europa League win over Lyon, in which he assisted two goals, Casemiro’s leadership and quality in midfield will be vital – especially if key players are rested.

Hot stat

Manchester United have a strong record when scoring first this season, remaining unbeaten in such games (W6, D4). However, their recent record when conceding first has been poor, with several defeats coming from slow starts and a lack of response.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United

With Manchester United likely to rotate and keep one eye firmly on their European commitments, Bournemouth are primed to take advantage. Their recent resilience, coupled with a strong H2H record and renewed defensive form, suggests they could edge a tight contest at the Vitality Stadium.

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Bournemouth v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League