Bournemouth vs Man Utd: Red Devils look to keep up pressure on top four but face tricky trip to Cherries
MANCHESTER UNITED face Bournemouth on Saturday knowing failure to win and their Champions League dream could be over.
Erik ten Hag’s side currently sit sixth in the table, 11 points behind Tottenham in fourth and Aston Villa in fifth with just seven games remaining.
Man Utd are hoping English sides perform well in Europe and the Premier League is handed an extra Champions League spot.
But a draw or loss on the south coast to Bournemouth and they could find themselves looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack rather than up the table amid pressure on Ten Hag.
Man Utd will be out for revenge after being smashed 3-0 at Old Trafford against the Cherries earlier this season.
Andoni Iraola’s side came into the game back in December unbeaten in four – but this time around a run of five without defeat was halted by Luton last week in the 90th minute.
United have suffered lots of late heartbreak recently too, conceding stoppage time goals in the 1-1 draw to Brentford and 4-3 capitulation against Chelsea.
They were also unable to hold on for three points in a 2-2 thriller with Liverpool last weekend.
Team News
Bournemouth are without winger Luis Sinisterra and Marcus Tavernier with thigh injuries.
Chris Mepham, Antoine Semenyo and Tyler Adams face late fitness tests.
As for Man Utd, they are in the midst of an injury crisis, with defenders Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans all out.
Ten Hag recently admitted he does not expect any of them back “at short notice”.
And it could mean another start for 19-year-old centre-back Willy Kambwala.
Scott McTominay picked up a knee issue in the loss to Chelsea two weeks ago and will miss the next two or three games.
There is also concern over Marcus Rashford after he picked up a knock versus Liverpool.
Star Players
Dominic Solanke has scored 16 goals for Bournemouth this season and netted in the reverse fixture.
Only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Mo Salah have hit the back of the net more often.
And United will be desperate for Rasmus Hojlund to rediscover his shooting boots.
The Dane scored seven in six games at the beginning of the year but is goalless in his last three.
SunSport Predicts
Bournemouth 1-2 Man Utd
When is Bournemouth vs Man Utd?
- Bournemouth vs Man Utd will take place on Saturday, April 13.
- Kick off will be at 5.30pm BST.
- The Vitality Stadium will host.
What TV channel is Bournemouth vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed?
- Bournemouth vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League.
- Sky Sports customers can live stream the match via the NOW app/website.
- Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
What are the odds?
Match result
- Bournemouth – 7/5
- Draw – 11/4
- Man Utd – 13/8
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.
Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd... but Erik ten Hag probably won't be around to see it
By Ken Lawrence
ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
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