Match preview: Manchester United take on Bournemouth in must-win Premier League clash

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates with Marcus Rashford after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on December 27, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Manchester United will step out at Old Trafford for the first time in 2023 tomorrow when they take on Bournemouth in an evening clash. 

United’s forthcoming fixtures have added pressure after this weekend’s Premier League results, as several of their top four competitors dropped points.

Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea all drew their respective games whilst Tottenham Hotspur oversaw a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa. Consequently, the Reds can go third with a win tomorrow.

Form

The Red Devils will be looking to extend their winning streak to four matches in the league. Last week saw United pick up six points with an aggregate score of 4-0, with two clean sheets being added to David de Gea’s tally for the season.

The Cherries, on the other hand, have suffered two consecutive 2-0 defeats and sit 15th in the league. In their return to the top flight so far, they have won four, drawn four and lost nine. Gary O’Neil will be keen to not involve his side in a relegation battle and so will come to Manchester with determination to leave with something and make the travelling supporters happy.

Stretty News’ verdict

Tomorrow should realistically be nothing short of a win, but the team shouldn’t be settling for just a 1-0.

Granted, Wolves was a difficult match due to their improved playing style under Julen Lopetegui, but the first half made for poor viewing with United’s finishing.

Goal difference is an element the team has struggled with in recent seasons and now is the time to change it. We have a lot of firepower in attack; Marcus Rashford is in the form of his career, Anthony Martial is fully fit, Alejandro Garnacho is hungry to make a name for himself and Antony has proven he can finish some fine efforts. At least four goals and a clean sheet would be perfect.

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