Manchester United will start their Premier League journey in 2023 by hosting Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Manchester United kicked off the year in style with a win against the Wolves and they need to put on another commanding display against Bournemouth at their home. Barring a minor blip against Aston Villa in the top flight, the Red Devils have managed to put up a strong show in the last few matches. And the onus will be on the players to live up to the expectations.
On the back of a number of convincing victories, complacency could be about to set in. But Erik ten Hag needs to ensure his squad remains in the right shape of mind as they cannot take any team lightly from this stage.
These kinds of matches often pile on misery. But with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur losing points, this might be the best chance for Manchester United to firm their grip on a top-four place. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are just two points adrift of the relegation zone and have leaked the most number of goals so far in the Premier League.
Manchester United have managed to score a few goals of late, and Marcus Rashford would be licking their lips against the Bournemouth defence. The Cherries lost to Crystal Palace in the last game and have a tough task cut out against the in-form Manchester United. The visitors have never managed a win at Old Trafford, and they have an extraordinary task on Tuesday.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Raphael Varane and Casemiro haven’t conceded a single goal while playing together at #mufc. pic.twitter.com/Ju1IrGUFq3
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 2, 2023
Erik ten Hag should have a number of players returning to fitness before this midweek clash against Bournemouth. Harry Maguire recovered from illness and made it to the bench in the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lisandro Martinez has had a number of practice sessions with the squad, and he should be up and running if the manager needs his presence in the team. Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof are dealing with injuries, and their fitness will be assessed before the match.
Erik ten Hag explained that Marcus Rashford was omitted from the starting lineup against Wolves due to an internal disciplinary action. But the 25-year-old should be back on the team sheet after scoring the winner at the Molineux.
David de Gea appeared to be Manchester United’s saviour on a number of occasions against Wolves. And with Martin Dubravka no longer at the club, the Spaniard will be the primary choice in the goal.
Raphael Varane should be available again to guard the backline, and Lisandro Martinez will likely be his partner in crime. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will complete the defensive setup.
Casemiro’s importance has been huge in the middle of the park, and the Brazilian will partner with Christian Eriksen to set up the tempo in the midfield. Marcus Rashford and Antony should start on the flanks, while Bruno Fernandes will find his usual position in the no. 10 role. Finally, Anthony Martial will start up front.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, Varane, Shaw; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have a number of injury concerns to deal with. And Gary O’Neil will have a tough selection headache ahead of the game. Philip Billing had to be called off against Crystal Palace, and he will face a race against time to be fit for this crucial clash.
Neto, David Brooks, Ryan Fredericks, Junior Stanislas and Marcus Tavernier are the absentees in this match. Mark Travers will deputise in the absence of Neto. To resist the Manchester United attack, the Bournemouth manager might opt for a five-man defence.
Lloyd Kelly, Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith will be shuffling the pack in the centre of the defence, while Jaidon Anthony and Jordan Zemura will be providing the width from the wings. Joe Rothwell will feature in the midfield, which will also feature Jefferson Lerma and Lewis Cook. Kieffer Moore and Dominic Solanke will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (5-3-2): Travers; Anthony, Smith, Kelly, Senesi, Zemura; Cook, Lerma, Rothwell; Solanke, Moore
Key Stats
- Manchester United have won seven of their 10 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth (D1 L2), with both defeats against them coming at the Vitality Stadium.
- Bournemouth have never won away from home in the league against either of the Manchester clubs (D2 L12). Only four teams have ever played more times away from home against Manchester United and Manchester City without winning in the Football League: Hull City (24), Walsall (16), Gainsborough Trinity (15) and Chesterfield (15).
- Manchester United have lost their first league game in two of the last three calendar years, as many as they had in the previous 23 (W15 D6). They lost 1-0 at home to Wolves in their first game of 2022, but have not lost their first match in consecutive years since 1978/1979.
- Bournemouth have won their first league game in just one of the last 10 calendar years (D6 L3), winning 1-0 at Stoke City in 2021.
- Marcus Rashford has been directly involved in seven of Manchester United’s last ten home Premier League goals (5 goals, 2 assists), scoring in each of his last two such games at Old Trafford. Rashford has never scored in three consecutive league appearances at Old Trafford.
Player to Watch
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has now scored six goals in the Premier League and has looked like a completely different player under the guidance of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. So it is not surprising that the Dutchman is obsessed with the idea of renewing terms with the Englishman.
The 25-year-old is definitely going to be Manchester United’s trump card in the second half of the season. And against Bournemouth, there should be some fireworks on offer from him. Manchester United will need Rashford at his best this week.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-0 Bournemouth
Manchester United have so far managed to bypass the minnows in a very positive manner. and Bournemouth are unlikely to disrupt their momentum. The Red Devils have turned their home into a fortress this season, and it will take a lot for the Cherries to invade it with sheer precision. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Erik ten Hag’s charges on Tuesday.