Manchester United are expected to win this matchup due to their superior squad quality, better recent form, and home advantage. Despite Bournemouth’s surprising historical success at Old Trafford, United’s need for a top-four push should drive them to victory in a high-scoring game
Match info: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Time: 9 pm Nigerian time
For the second Monday running, Manchester United bring the curtain down on the latest Premier League gameweek, hosting Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils made incredibly light work of basement side Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday, whereas the Cherries' plight continued in a goalless stalemate with Chelsea.
Head-to-head:
- Manchester United have won nine of the 16 Premier League meetings between the two teams.
- Bournemouth recorded four victories.
- The remaining three clashes ended in draws.
- Bournemouth have won their last two Premier League games at Old Trafford, both by a 3-0 scoreline.
- Manchester United are unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches.
- Bournemouth are winless in their last six Premier League games.
- Eight of their last 10 encounters produced at least three goals.
Form:
- Manchester United in the league: D-L-W-D-W
- Manchester United in all competitions: D-L-W-D-W
- Bournemouth in the league: L-D-L-L-D
- Bournemouth in all competitions: L-D-L-L-D
Team News:
- Manchester United face defensive concerns ahead of the game, with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt ruled out due to knocks and unlikely to return until late December. In the attack, striker Benjamin Sesko remains doubtful after illness, leaving some uncertainty around United’s forward options.
- Bournemouth could be without several key players, with Lewis Cook suspended and Veljko Milosavljevic ruled out long-term with a knee injury. Ryan Christie also remains sidelined, while Ben Doak is unavailable. Matei Akinmboni is doubtful after a muscle problem, adding to Andoni Iraola’s selection concerns.
Player(s) to watch:
- Bryan Mbeumo stands out as Manchester United’s key threat against Bournemouth because of his sharp movement and direct goal threat. In the Premier League this season, he has scored six goals in 15 appearances, showing consistency, confidence, and an ability to punish defensive lapses.
- Antoine Semenyo shapes as Bournemouth’s main danger against United because of his pace, physicality, and willingness to attack defenders directly. He has scored six goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season, making him the Cherries’ most reliable scoring outlet.