Manchester United v Bournemouth preview: Carrick needs a win against United's bogey team — team news and stats
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Manchester United and arrive at Old Trafford fresh from beating AC Milan. Michael Carrick's side still have no Premier League clean sheet this season.
Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday 25 October, and the timing could hardly be worse for Michael Carrick. His side have not won in five league games, while Bournemouth arrive on a high after beating AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League.
Why Bournemouth are United's bogey team
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last five meetings with United, and have scored in every one.
- The last three league games finished 2-2 (March 2026), 4-4 (December 2025) and 1-1 (April 2025).
United have not found a way to stop them, and nothing about this season suggests that will change.
The form guide
| Manchester United | Bournemouth | |
|---|---|---|
| League position | 13th (7 pts) | 15th (6 pts) |
| Last five league games | W0 D3 L2 | — |
| Clean sheets | None this season | — |
| Away goals conceded | — | 9 in 3 games |
United have conceded in every league game, which is why the pressure on Carrick is growing after the defeat by Como — see our earlier report. But Bournemouth have been just as open away from home, so this has the look of another high-scoring game.
Players to watch
- Marcus Tavernier has four league goals and scored a penalty against Milan.
- Evanilson has scored in each of Bournemouth's last three games.
- Justin Kluivert, also on target against Milan, has been in form.
Team news
Manchester United out:
- Manuel Ugarte (knee, from the World Cup)
- Kobbie Mainoo (possible return v Roma on 3 November)
- Luke Shaw (possible return v Aston Villa on 8 November)
- Benjamin Šeško (shin, possibly out until early 2027)
- Patrick Dorgu (hamstring)
Doubts: Marcus Rashford (hip), Lisandro Martínez (thigh); Ayden Heaven is a minor doubt with illness. Back: Leny Yoro returns from suspension.
Bournemouth out: Eli Junior Kroupi, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Veljko Milosavljević
Bournemouth's bigger concern is fatigue. They played on Thursday night, giving them less recovery time than United.
Our view
United need a win to ease the pressure, but they are facing a confident side that has scored against them in five straight games. If United are going to win, they will probably need to outscore Bournemouth rather than shut them out. Follow it live on our scores page and see the Premier League table.
FAQ
When is Manchester United v Bournemouth? Sunday 25 October 2026 at Old Trafford.
When did Manchester United last beat Bournemouth? United have not beaten Bournemouth in their last five meetings.
Who is injured for Manchester United? Ugarte, Mainoo, Shaw, Šeško and Dorgu are out; Rashford and Lisandro Martínez are doubts.
