Manchester United are set to face Bournemouth at Old Trafford tonight, and manager Ruben Amorim has received a boost with the likely availability of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. The Red Devils are aiming to continue their momentum from the 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and climb up the Premier League table.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Amorim has been in negotiations with the national teams of Cameroon and Ivory Coast to ensure that Mbeumo and Amad are available for selection before they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). According to reports, an agreement has been reached, allowing both players to feature in tonight's game. Their availability will provide a significant lift to United's attack, which will miss them during the busy festive period.
However, Manchester United still have injury concerns in defence. Key center-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sidelined. Ayden Heaven, who has started the last two matches, is expected to continue in the heart of the defence. There is a possibility that Leny Yoro could replace De Ligt and Maguire against Bournemouth.
Benjamin Sesko is also a doubt for the game. He has been struggling with a knee injury and recently suffered from food poisoning. Despite these setbacks, Sesko is pushing for a place in the squad.
Predicted Manchester United XI (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.
Bournemouth's Team News
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, will be without several first-team players for the match. Lewis Cook is suspended, while Matai Akinmboni, Ben Gannon-Doak, Veljko Milosavljević, and Ryan Christie are all injured. Marcos Senesi is dealing with "some issues" but is expected to feature.
Bournemouth Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrović; Smith, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Key Match Facts
Manchester United are seeking to end a four-game winless run against Bournemouth. They have been beaten 3-0 in their two most recent home games against the Cherries. Bournemouth are winless in their last six matches. Manchester United have lost only one of their last nine Premier League games. Manchester United have conceded in 14 of their 15 Premier League matches this season.
Mbeumo's and Amad's Potential Impact
Bryan Mbeumo has been a key player for Manchester United since joining the club in July 2025. He has scored six goals in 15 appearances and was nominated for Premier League Player of the Month in August, October and January. His versatility and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for United as they aim to climb the table.
Amad Diallo, who prefers to be known simply as Amad, has also become an important member of the squad. He scored a dramatic winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup last season and bagged his first senior hat-trick against Southampton in January. Amad's energy and attacking threat will be valuable assets for United.
AFCON Implications
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations will see Manchester United lose Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui for several weeks. This presents an opportunity for other players to step up and impress manager Ruben Amorim. Ayden Heaven, Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are among those who could benefit from the absence of the trio.
Match Prediction
Despite Bournemouth's strong record at Old Trafford in recent years, Manchester United will be confident of securing a win. Their recent victory over Wolves has boosted morale, and the potential availability of Mbeumo and Amad will further strengthen their attack. However, Bournemouth's doggedness and United's defensive injuries could make for a tightly contested match.
