Manchester United will meet Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday evening. United will be looking for a victory after a dismal 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in December, one of 12 defeats in the league this season.
Ten Hag faces another encounter with any of his defenders out due to injury, but with Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala doing so well against Liverpool, who are legitimate contenders for the Premier League crown this season, they could both be given the job against Bournemouth.
United will need to win this weekend, as they face more difficult matches as the season comes to a close and they aim to improve their league position. In just over a week, United will meet Coventry City in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final, which they must win.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Onana
Andre Onana may have conceded 67 goals for United throughout all competitions this season. Granted, he has made some ridiculous mistakes during his time as United’s goalkeeper, but he has not had a particularly good season with the defense in front of him. There have been numerous defensive combinations.
When injuries have subsided and United has first-team players who have played with each other on a weekly basis, the 28-year-old should fare considerably better. He has eight clean sheets in the Premier League, four fewer than the goalie with the most this season.
At United, Onana has very little competition. Altay Bayindir was brought in to challenge him at the club, but with just one game in goal this season, it does not appear like he will be a contender for the number one shirt at Old Trafford. This season, Onana faces a formidable challenge.
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Kambwala, and Dalot
United’s defence has suffered greatly this season due to injuries, and four veteran central defenders and two senior fullbacks are currently out of action. Ten Hag’s roster includes one veteran central defender and two experienced fullbacks.
Against Bournemouth, United will start both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot at fullback. It is the best United can offer, as they currently have few rotation choices. Obviously, Harry Amass could come off the bench if needed, which would benefit his career.
Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala will join again in the heart of defence for United. Both performed admirably against Liverpool, with Kambwala excelling in his placement and looking right at home against one of the finest teams in the Premier League this season.
Midfield: Mount, Mainoo
United’s midfield has been generally positive this season, thanks solely to the form of Kobbie Mainoo, who has been a revelation in the heart of the pitch for United. His rise from the youth to the first squad has been remarkable; he has a bright future ahead of him.
Mason Mount might start in the heart of the midfield for United again, as he did at the start of the season. He is a positive player to have, and now that he has scored his first goal for United, he can begin to create more from midfield and demonstrate why he was signed.
Casemiro might start for United alongside Mainoo, which may not be ideal given his performance over the weekend. I don’t think he’s been the player United expected him to be this season, which is a significant disappointment. It is possible that his United career could come to an end this summer.
Attacking midfielders: Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho
United’s attacking midfield is still a work in progress this season. Antony appears to have failed at United, is a pricey flop, and is not trusted by the boss at this point in the season. Marcus Rashford’s performance is questionable, to say the least.
Alejandro Garnacho has been the main player in these spots, and he appears to have accomplished something this season, with so much more to offer moving forward. He should start on the left wing against Bournemouth on Saturday; he may help this team’s offensive tremendously.
Bruno Fernandes is a player that has received a lot of criticism from so-called followers who believe he accomplishes nothing. That is not entirely correct; he is one of the top players at United. Amad requires more time on the pitch. His winner against Liverpool implies that he should play more on the right wing.
Forward: Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has had a fantastic season for United, and he is now the club’s leading scorer with 13 goals and two assists across all competitions. With superior players reportedly being attracted to the club in the summer and a player to challenge him, he might be far better.
The Danish international has made tremendous progress since making his United debut following his signing last summer. It took him some time to score his first goal in the UEFA Champions League, but he quickly began scoring in the Premier League.
Hpjlund has not had much competition at United this season, with Anthony Martial out of sorts and on the sidelines due to injuries for the bulk of the season. If he had a striker at the club to support and challenge him, United’s fortunes may improve dramatically in the not-too-distant future.
Substitutions: Bayindir; Ogunneye, Amass; Eriksen, Casemiro, Forson; Rashford, Antony, Lacey.
