Manchester United have managed one Premier League win all season. Bournemouth have just beaten AC Milan 4-0. And somehow, it’s Michael Carrick’s side who are favourites on Sunday.
Old Trafford hasn’t exactly been a fortress lately, and the pressure on Carrick is growing after Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
United are without a victory in seven matches across all competitions. Their last Premier League outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Leeds, another afternoon where they struggled to turn possession into a convincing performance.
Bournemouth have endured their own difficult start domestically, but Marco Rose’s side have suddenly found some form.
A 2-0 victory over Sunderland was followed by Thursday’s demolition of AC Milan, making it three consecutive wins in all competitions after their earlier Europa League success against Sturm Graz.
The Cherries have also developed a habit of making life difficult for Manchester United.
With Carrick under pressure, injuries piling up and Bournemouth beginning to find their rhythm, Sunday’s meeting could be considerably closer than the home advantage suggests.
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What are the best betting tips for Manchester United vs Bournemouth?
Bournemouth draw no bet
There’s a point where backing Manchester United simply because they’re playing at Old Trafford stops making much sense.
United have collected seven points from seven Premier League matches, winning just once. Their recent results include draws against Leeds, Tottenham and Fulham, alongside defeats to Manchester City and Brighton in the cup.
Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat to Como only added to Carrick’s problems.
Bournemouth haven’t been particularly convincing away from home, but there’s growing evidence that Rose is beginning to get a response from his players.
The Cherries have won three consecutive matches in all competitions, keeping clean sheets against Sunderland, Sturm Graz and AC Milan.
They’ve also avoided defeat in their last five meetings with Manchester United, including three consecutive league draws.
That’s a record worth considering when United are struggling to put games to bed.
Backing Bournemouth outright would offer a bigger return, but the draw-no-bet market provides some protection in a fixture where another stalemate looks entirely plausible.
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals
Manchester United have gone seven Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet.
That’s an alarming statistic for a side preparing to face a Bournemouth attack that has scored nine goals in its last three matches across all competitions.
Evanilson has found the net in three consecutive outings, while Marcus Tavernier has already scored four league goals this season.
Bournemouth have the players to trouble United’s defence, particularly if Carrick’s side leave space behind their full-backs.
However, the Cherries aren’t exactly watertight themselves.
They’ve conceded nine goals in three Premier League away matches, including five in their defeat to Chelsea.
That offers encouragement to a United attack featuring Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
Mbeumo has scored four league goals this season, while Fernandes has contributed three and remains United’s most influential creative player.
Both sides have defensive weaknesses, and Bournemouth’s willingness to attack should create opportunities at either end.
Rather than settling for the shorter price on both teams to score, combining it with over 2.5 goals offers a more ambitious selection.
Marcus Tavernier anytime goalscorer
Evanilson will attract plenty of attention after scoring in three consecutive matches, but Marcus Tavernier offers another interesting route into Bournemouth’s attack.
The midfielder has scored four Premier League goals this season, making him one of Rose’s most productive attacking players.
He’s also registered 10 shots on target from 16 attempts, suggesting his goalscoring record isn’t simply the result of a handful of fortunate finishes.
Tavernier’s ability to arrive in dangerous positions could be particularly useful against a Manchester United side struggling to protect its penalty area.
United have yet to keep a league clean sheet, and their defensive injuries have forced Carrick to make regular changes.
Bournemouth may not dominate possession at Old Trafford, but they should get opportunities to break forward.
With United likely to focus plenty of attention on Evanilson, Tavernier could find space to make an impact.
An anytime goalscorer selection carries more risk than backing Bournemouth simply to score, but Tavernier’s early-season numbers make him a credible option.
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How to watch Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with kick-off at 2 pm GMT.
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event and NOW.
United States: Check Peacock and NBC’s Premier League listings. Kick-off is at 10 am ET.
Canada: Check Fubo Canada and DAZN’s match listings. Kick-off is at 10 am ET.
What is Manchester United’s predicted lineup?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot; Andrey Santos, Baleba; Amad, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbeumo.
Injured: Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Šeško, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Ayden Heaven.
Doubts: Lisandro Martínez, Marcus Rashford.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Michael Carrick has several problems to address ahead of Sunday’s match.
Benjamin Šeško remains unavailable with a shin injury, while Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu are also sidelined.
Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell out with a serious knee injury, and Lisandro Martínez is another fitness concern.
Leny Yoro is available again after serving a European suspension, giving Carrick an important defensive option.
The Frenchman could return alongside Harry Maguire, although Matthijs de Ligt is another candidate to start.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes is expected to remain central to United’s attacking plans.
The captain was visibly frustrated during the defeat to Como, and Carrick must decide whether to use him as a traditional number ten or in a more advanced role.
Bryan Mbeumo could lead the attack, with Amad Diallo providing width.
Joshua Zirkzee is another option after scoring United’s consolation goal in Italy.
What is Bournemouth’s predicted lineup?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petrović; Smith, Hill, António Silva, Truffert; Tyler Adams, Christie; Rayan, Lewis Cook, Tavernier; Evanilson.
Injured: Julián Araujo, Alex Scott, Veljko Milosavljević.
Doubts: Eli Junior Kroupi.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Marco Rose has fewer concerns than his opposite number, although Bournemouth are still missing several players.
Alex Scott remains unavailable with a muscle injury, while Julián Araujo is recovering from a thigh problem.
Veljko Milosavljević is another absentee.
There is better news concerning Eli Junior Kroupi, who has returned to training and could be included in the travelling squad.
Evanilson is expected to lead the attack after continuing his recent goalscoring run.
Marcus Tavernier should retain his place following an impressive start to the season, with Rayan another attacking option.
Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie could provide the midfield platform, while Djordje Petrović is expected to start in goal.
Rose must also consider the physical demands of Thursday’s Europa League match against AC Milan.
However, Bournemouth’s convincing victory should give the manager plenty of confidence heading into Sunday’s trip.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth stats
- Manchester United have won just one of their opening seven Premier League matches, collecting seven points.
- United are winless in seven matches across all competitions.
- Michael Carrick’s side have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their seven Premier League games this season.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Manchester United.
- The last three Premier League meetings between these sides have all ended in draws.
- Bournemouth have conceded nine goals in their three Premier League away matches this season.
- Marcus Tavernier has scored four league goals, registering 10 shots on target from 16 attempts.
- Bryan Mbeumo has scored four Premier League goals for Manchester United this season.
- Bournemouth have won their last three matches across all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in each.
- Evanilson has scored in three consecutive matches.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth prediction
Manchester United are approaching the stage where a draw at home feels like a decent result, and that’s a worrying position for a club of their stature.
Carrick desperately needs a victory, but United’s defensive record and mounting injury problems make it difficult to trust them.
Bournemouth have been poor away from home in the league, although their recent performances suggest Rose is starting to find some answers.
Thursday’s victory over AC Milan should provide a significant confidence boost.
United still have enough attacking talent to cause problems, particularly through Fernandes and Mbeumo.
However, Bournemouth’s recent record in this fixture, combined with their improving form, makes the visitors an attractive proposition.
I fancy the Cherries to take advantage of United’s defensive weaknesses and leave Old Trafford with all three points.
Score prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Bournemouth
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