Manchester United will be looking to restore confidence at Old Trafford when they welcome Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, with Michael Carrick demanding a significant improvement following a damaging defeat in Europe.
United were beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, adding to a difficult run of results that has increased the pressure on Carrick. Bournemouth, by contrast, arrive after winning three consecutive matches in all competitions, including an impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan in the Europa League.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm GMT on Sunday, 25 October, at Old Trafford.
United have taken just seven points from their opening seven Premier League matches, leaving them 13th in the table ahead of the weekend. Bournemouth sit 15th with six points, meaning both sides have an opportunity to improve their league position, although the pressure on the home team is particularly intense following their European disappointment.
Carrick has accepted responsibility for United’s recent performances and admitted that the team has fallen short of the standards expected at the club. In an unusually frank opening statement at his pre-match press conference, he acknowledged the frustration felt by supporters and insisted that a response was needed.
“We’ve had it, we’ve kind of lost our way a little bit, if I’m totally honest, and we’ll get it back. I’m totally convinced we’ll get it back.”
The United manager also reflected on the damaging effect of the Como defeat, describing the performance as unacceptable and stressing the importance of restoring the team’s identity.
“My responsibility is to get a team on the football pitch that represents this football club, represents the supporters, and one they can be proud of with the identity we showed.”
Carrick believes Sunday offers an immediate opportunity to change the mood around Old Trafford, although he knows Bournemouth will present a difficult challenge.
“We just want to look like ourselves, be the best version of us. We know we can be a lot better than what we were during the week.”
United’s recent domestic form makes that response particularly important. They have managed just one Premier League win in seven matches, while the defeat in Italy has intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s tactics and the team’s overall performances. The manager has nevertheless insisted that his players are capable of winning matches and must now demonstrate that conviction on the pitch.
There is some encouragement in the return of defensive options. Leny Yoro is available again after serving a suspension in Europe, while Ayden Heaven has returned to training following illness. Matthijs de Ligt also made his comeback against Como after a lengthy spell out, providing another option in defence.
However, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Šeško were expected to miss out, while Lisandro Martínez and Marcus Rashford remained fitness doubts ahead of the weekend. Carrick also declined to give a definitive indication about Bruno Fernandes’ role after the captain’s post-match comments following the Como defeat, saying his priority was the interests of the club and the squad.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will travel to Manchester with confidence after their recent run of victories. Their 3-0 success against AC Milan demonstrated their ability to trouble experienced opposition, and head coach Marco Rose expects United to respond aggressively following their European setback.
“We know they will be angry, they will be intense.”
Rose warned that his players must be prepared for the atmosphere and intensity at Old Trafford, but made clear that Bournemouth would be aiming for victory rather than simply trying to frustrate the hosts.
“We have to be ready, start well, and keep the energy and confidence. We want to win it.”
The Bournemouth manager also confirmed that forward Eli Junior Kroupi is in contention to return after recovering from a foot injury. The youngster has been back in full first-team training, and Rose indicated that he hopes to give him some playing time, while emphasising the importance of managing his return carefully.
“It’s the plan to take him with us to Manchester, and to give him some minutes.”
Bournemouth are expected to be without Alex Scott, while Alex Toth and Julián Araujo have also been dealing with injuries. Evanilson was withdrawn during the victory over AC Milan following a heavy challenge, although his early substitution may have been precautionary.
The visitors also have recent results at Old Trafford to draw encouragement from. Last season’s meeting at the ground finished 4-4, while the reverse fixture ended 2-2. Those results underline Bournemouth’s ability to make life difficult for United, although Rose has acknowledged that playing at Old Trafford remains a significant test.
Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier has also recognised the importance of the fixture, describing United as a strong side and expecting another demanding encounter. He said the Cherries would take confidence from their previous positive results at the ground but understood that repeating them would not be straightforward.
For United, the priority is to deliver a performance that reconnects the team with its supporters and ends a difficult sequence of results. For Bournemouth, maintaining their winning momentum would strengthen their position in the Premier League and add to the pressure on the hosts.
With Carrick seeking an immediate response and Rose’s side arriving in confident form, Sunday’s meeting could prove a significant test of character for both teams at Old Trafford.
