The Bournemouth vs Manchester United clash should be a thrilling start to Gameweek 31 of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, with the two sides likely to produce a thrilling Friday night battle at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth vs Manchester United has tended to be pretty thrilling in recent years, with their most recent battle at Old Trafford being a thrilling goal fest.
Bournemouth are eager to end a four-match winless run, while the Red Devils look to build on their winning run under Michael Carrick to further solidify their claim on the third spot in the Premier League.
Match Details
Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth, England
Friday, 20 March
20:00 GMT
Shaken Bournemouth Face off Against Confident Manchester United
The Bournemouth vs Manchester United clash should end up being an eventful contest because of the determination for both teams to get this win before the March international break.
The Cherries might be undefeated in their last five Premier League matches, but they have only won one of those and have drawn their last four successive matches.
Andoni Iraola’s side will be desperate to end their barren run by not only maintaining their defensive sturdiness, but also being bold and clinical in taking up their chances against the Red Devils.
Manchester United are still going strong in third place in the 2025/26 Premier League, but realise that dropping points could invite their rivals to quickly catch up with them.
The Red Devils will need to be sharp with their attacking movement and execution to be able to break down the sturdy Bournemouth backline, and Carrick also has to shape them up to be a compact side that can frustrate the Cherries at their own yard.
Manchester United are actually winless in their last five meetings against the Cherries, which itself indicates how clinical they need to be to get a big win here.
Could Promising Junior Kroupi Regain Best Form Against Manchester United?
Junior Kroupi has definitely been one of the most exciting parts of the Bournemouth side in their topsy-turvy 2025/26 Premier League campaign, as he’s managed to bag eight goals for them so far.
However, the French forward has not been able to score in his last six appearances for the Cherries, and there is a desperation growing within him to get back to scoring goals.
Kroupi had a memorable outing at Old Trafford against Manchester United earlier this season, scoring a memorable goal to force the 4-4 draw.
He will now look to haunt the Red Devils again by being a proactive presence in his side’s frontline, as he looks to make clever forward runs to outwit the defenders and finish off whatever chances come his way effectively to help his side get a positive result.
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Brilliant Bruno Fernandes Determined To Close in On Premier League Assists Record
Bruno Fernandes is enjoying a splendid 2025/26 season with Manchester United, and his performance levels seem to have been significantly amplified under the management of Michael Carrick.
The Portuguese midfielder has already bagged 16 assists in the Premier League this season, with his two assists in the recent win over Aston Villa helping him set the record for the most assists picked up by a Manchester United player in a single Premier League campaign.
However, Fernandes is now eyeing the Premier League record for most assists by a player in a single campaign, which is 20 assists (held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne).
Fernandes has four assists in his last three appearances and is oozing confidence, which he aims to use to torment the Bournemouth players. He’ll look to be smart with his position and final third passes to set up big chances to try to get another assist to his tally and help his side get an important away win.
Bournemouth vs Manchester United Injuries
Bournemouth Injuries: Julio Soler, Justin Kluivert, Lewis Cook, Matai Akimboni (doubt)
Manchester United Injuries: Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Lisandro Martinez (doubt)
Bournemouth vs Manchester United Predicted Lineups
Here are our Bournemouth vs Manchester United predicted lineups.
Bournemouth Predicted XI: Djordje Petrovic (GK), Adam Smith, James Hill, Marcos Senesi, Adrien Truffert, Adam Scott, Amine Adil, Marcus Tavernier, Junior Kroupi, Rayan, Evanilson
Manchester United Predicted XI: Senne Lammens (GK), Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 15.12.2025
