- Date and Time: Sunday, December 22, 14:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
| Odds via 22bet | |
| Manchester United vs Bournemouth | Sunday, December 22, 14:00 GMT+1 |
| Manchester United odds | 1.80 |
| Bournemouth odds | 4 |
| Draw | 4 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 1.59/2.36 |
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Preview
Manchester United
Manchester United continues to be unpredictable. After a stunning 4-0 win over Everton, they lost to Arsenal 0-2, conceding both goals from corners. They then lost to Nottingham Forest at home 2-3, again conceding from corners and a quick counterattack.
Ruben Amorim’s team, who were losing the scoreline as the matches progressed, created comebacks and defeated Viktoria Plzen and Manchester City 2-1 away. After that, United lost in the League Cup, conceding four goals from Tottenham due to a variety of errors in different situations. Their high defensive line, which the Spurs regularly exploited, was very weak.
🗣️ Here’s Ruben’s post-match verdict.#MUFC || #CarabaoCup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 19, 2024
On the other hand, Amorim’s team scored three goals and could have scored two more if they had realized their chances.
All this means that the new Manchester United head coach has failed to improve the quality of play, so his team is still volatile and unbalanced.
| Recent Form | LWWLL |
| Key Player to Watch | Rasmus Højlund, Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes |
| Team Strengths | Strong squad |
| Team Weaknesses | Unstable play in defence and attack |
| Key Injuries and Suspensions | Mason Mount, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw |
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are just three points away from placing fourth and have a great chance of achieving incredible success this season. In previous years, they struggled near the bottom of the table and had difficulty maintaining their position in the Premier League.
But this season, despite the departure of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham, Bournemouth have significantly improved their results and are genuine contenders to qualify for the Champions League.
Who’s looking forward to this one? 🙋 pic.twitter.com/5F26cYgZpQ
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 19, 2024
Andoni Iraola’s side ranks among the top three teams in the Premier League in terms of expected points, which is one of the biggest surprises of this season.
It’s important to note that the Cherries have a modest squad, with few players who have achieved significant career success. At the same time, they lack a high-level defensive midfielder and no center forward capable of scoring goals regularly.
Nevertheless, Andoni has established an impressive system of pressing and counter-pressing, which enables Bournemouth to maintain possession in their opponent’s half of the field. This strategy creates excellent opportunities for executing quick vertical attacks.
Morning ☺️ pic.twitter.com/QBzK3AMOzW
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 19, 2024
The Spanish coach has compensated for the absence of top-tier players by organising quick attacks and pressing. However, it should be noted that Iraola is working hard to improve teamwork and unlock the potential of players who had not previously stood out.
Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Milos Kerkez have made incredible progress under the Spanish coach, becoming key players for Bournemouth in the battle for a top-four finish.
| Recent Form | DWWWL |
| Key Player to Watch | Antoine Semenyo, Lewis Cook |
| Team Strengths | Top coach |
| Team Weaknesses | Vulnerable play in a low block of defence. |
| Key Injuries and suspensions | Alex Scott (Knee Injury), Luis Sinisterra (Thigh Injury), Marcus Tavernier (Thigh Injury), Marcos Senesi (Thigh Injury). |
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Head-to-Head Statistics
At Old Trafford, Manchester United had been regular winners against Bournemouth until last season. In December 2023, the Cherries surprised everyone by winning 3-0.
In that match, Andoni Iraola’s team capitalized on the mistakes made by the Red Devils’ defenders, delivering a stunning performance.
Bet hereManchester United vs Bournemouth Player Focus
Antoine Semenyo has only scored four goals and made one assist in the Premier League. However, his usefulness in the press and ability to create chances through dribbling and key passes make him a key player for Bournemouth. Manchester United will surely find it challenging to contain the Ghanaian.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Preview, Tactical Analysis
It’ll be interesting to see how Manchester United copes with the pressure from the visitors.
In previous matches, Amorim’s team have struggled to move the ball into the final third through short passes. However, it’s possible that the hosts will test the opponents’ high defensive line with long passes.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction
- Football Pick: Both teams to score
- Odds: 1.55 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth
The Red Devils have scored goals in eight consecutive matches since the defeat to Tottenham, netting more than one goal in seven of those games.
Despite the challenges United face in organizing positional attacks, they have a potent offensive line that can shine thanks to the players’ individual talent.
We fought until the end, but it wasn’t to be in north London.#MUFC || #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Q7oDDQ7jfQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 19, 2024
We can expect Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Amad Diallo to create a series of dangerous chances, considering the Cherries players are pretty vulnerable in a low defensive block.
Manchester United’s defense is still unstable, and they often make mistakes during set-pieces. As a result, it’s unlikely that the home team will be able to maintain a solid defense and avoid conceding goals.
I believe it’s entirely possible that both teams will score goals in this match.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction, Betting Tip
- Football Pick: Bournemouth Total Over 0.5
- Odds: 1.35 (22Bet)
The Cherries have scored at least one goal in eight of their last nine matches and seven of their previous eight away games. Considering United’s defensive problems, Bournemouth’s chances of scoring at least once are very high.
In the Premier League, Manchester have not conceded a goal in only three out of eight home matches this season. This is because United players lack concentration and are vulnerable in transitioning from attack to defense. Bournemouth, who are adept at lightning-fast vertical attacks, can exploit this weakness effectively.
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