Manchester United will be looking for a second home win on the bounce against in-form Bournemouth this weekend.
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Manchester United vs Bournemouth odds
Find the latest match odds for Manchester United vs Bournemouth. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
⚡Quick Manchester United vs Bournemouth betting tips
Manchester United vs Bournemouth predictions
Manchester United brought themselves some much-needed breathing space in the midweek round of Premier League fixtures.
Intense pressure was beginning to build on Erik ten Hag after a 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United a few days prior, and another loss to Chelsea would have left the Dutchman in a vulnerable position.
Instead, a brace from Scott McTominay brought United a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford and kept them within touching distance of the top four.
Indeed, for all the doom and gloom around the club right now, the Red Devils are just three points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.
That is not to absolve them of their failings so far in 2023/24. United are out of the EFL Cup and will probably be eliminated from the Champions League next week.
Their football is nothing to write home about and they continue to disappoint in the big games away from home, the latest instance of which was that insipid display at St James’ Park.
But it is not true to say that this season is already a write-off. United could win a trophy in the form of the FA Cup. Qualifying for the Champions League would be a decent outcome, even though United will likely finish a distance behind the title winners.
Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete his purchase of 25 percent of the club in the coming days. He will have his own ideas on how United should be run - including whether Ten Hag is still the right man for the job.
The outcome of matches like this one will play a role in shaping his conclusions.
📝 Manchester United vs Bournemouth betting tips
Manchester United are generally reliable against bottom-half sides but this will not be an easy encounter by any means.
Both teams to score - 4/6 (bet365)
Bournemouth have really picked up of late, so it would be a mistake for Manchester United to take them lightly.
Over the last six rounds of Premier League games, only Arsenal and Liverpool have collected more points than the Cherries, who have won four and drawn one of their last half-dozen.
Were it not for Ollie Watkins’ late equaliser at the Vitality Stadium last weekend, Bournemouth would be level with Arsenal at the top of the form table.
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That is some turnaround. In the first few months of the season, Andoni Iraola was struggling to get his ideas across to the squad he inherited from Gary O’Neil.
Bournemouth did not win any of their first nine games. They then edged out Burnley 2-1, before suffering a 6-1 thrashing by Manchester City.
But the Cherries have been impressive of late, playing the sort of high-intensity, dynamic football for which Iraola is renowned.
Bournemouth have scored in each of their last seven games. In their last four outings, only Fulham, Liverpool and Arsenal have been more prolific. Goals at both ends is the way to go here.
⚽ Go for both teams to score at 4/6 with bet365 ⚽
Draw at half-time - 9/5 (bet365)
Manchester United have struggled to get going in the first half of matches this term. They have more often hit the ground trudging than running.
Ten Hag’s team rank a lowly 16th in the first half table. Only Fulham, Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United have worse records in the opening 45 minutes of Premier League games.
Similarly, only four teams in the division have scored fewer goals than United’s six in the first period.
The picture is even worse when we filter out away games. United have the worst home first-half record in the entire league. They are yet to be ahead at the interval in a match at Old Trafford. Even struggling Burnley and Sheffield United have fared better in that regard.
Ten Hag will hope to see his players start quickly on Saturday, but Bournemouth will give the home team plenty to think about early on.
There is also a strong possibility that the Old Trafford crowd will get on the players’ backs if things are not going well.
The scores have been level at the break in eight of United’s 15 encounters in 2023/24. Bournemouth would surely settle for parity after 45 minutes in this one.
⚽ Back a draw at the interval at 9/5 with bet365 ⚽
Scott McTominay to score any time - 10/3 (bet365)
McTominay was Manchester United’s hero on Wednesday, scoring either side of half-time to give his team a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in an open, end-to-end encounter.
It is not the first time this season that the Scotland international has popped up when his team needs him: McTominay also notched a match-winning brace against Brentford in October.
Despite being in and out of the team so far this season, the midfielder is United’s top scorer in the Premier League with five goals. He also leads the way in all competitions with six efforts.
In that light, these odds look very attractive indeed. With his aerial threat and forward runs from midfield, McTominay is one of United’s likeliest goalscorers.
⚽ Tip Scott McTominay to score any time at 10/3 with bet365 ⚽
📺 How to watch Manchester United vs Bournemouth
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
- Date and time: Saturday 9 December 2023, 3pm.
- How to watch: Not being shown live in the UK.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on Twitter @GregLeaFootball
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