By Ian King
Work to do
Neither Bournemouth nor Manchester United come into this game in great form. Bournemouth have won just one of their last eight and have seen fleeting aspirations of European football fade from view, while United have only beaten Ipswich and Leicester in the League since the end of January. United had the dopamine hit of that last-gasp win against Lyon in the Europa League, but that didn’t seem to have had many lasting effects, if their performance against Wolves the following weekend was anything to go by.
History
In 1957, when AFC Bournemouth were still Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, these two met in an FA Cup quarter-final at Dean Court. United won 2-1 that day, but 27 years later the Cherries got revenge, winning 2-0 in the Third Round under the leadership of a promising young manager called Harry Redknapp. Curiously, they were drawn together three times in six seasons in the 1980s. United won 3-0 at Old Trafford in 1985 and 2-1 after a replay in 1989. United haven’t won any of their last three meetings, and Bournemouth won the corresponding fixture in December, 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Key Players
Of all the most impressive cogs in the machine built by Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth this season, one that has really stood out has been Justin Kluivert. When he’s on his game, he brings an extra dimension to any attacking position as well as an air of unpredictability. Manchester United’s occasionally supine defence may look like something of an open invitation.
There haven’t been many bright spots to United’s season, though the growth of Kobbie Mainoo has stood out. His injury was a big blow, and his return is just about the only bit of good news to have come from Old Trafford these last few weeks. He demonstrated why he was missed with the equalising goal in that extraordinary 5-4 win against Lyon.
Team News
The latest addition to the Manchester United treatment room is Joshua Zirkzee, who won’t play again this season. Toby Collyer is understood to be close to returning, but isn’t quite there yet. Altay Bayındır missed the Wolves game, and whether he will start this one or whether Andre Onaná remains in goal is an open question. Bournemouth are definitely missing Enes Ünal and Ryan Christie and, while there’s been talk that Luis Sinisterra could return before the end of this season, there’s been no actual sign of it yet.
Prediction
Manhcester United may be distracted by their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, and Bournemouth are just the sort of team to be able to pick off opponents who aren’t paying attention. Their own form has been patchy, but they remain a fluid, organised unit of a team. United’s Premier League season is fading from view early, just like the last time around. 3-0 Bournemouth, with everything resting on Europe for their visitors.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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