Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: The Football Faithful

The Football Faithful

·20 March 2026

Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Article image:Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Manchester United visit the South Coast on Friday night looking to tighten their grip on a Champions League spot, but they face a Bournemouth side currently enjoying the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League.

The Red Devils arrive at the Vitality Stadium rejuvenated under interim boss Michael Carrick. Since he took charge in January, United have won more games (7) and earned more points (22) than any other side in the division. Their 3–1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend moved them into third place, and another win here would see them temporarily open up a six-point cushion in the top-four race.


OneFootball Videos


Notably, captain Bruno Fernandes is in historic form; having broken David Beckham’s club assist record last week, he is now chasing the Premier League’s single-season record after creating 6+ chances in three consecutive games.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have become the top flight’s ultimate “hard to beat” side, entering this fixture on a 10-game unbeaten streak. While Andoni Iraola’s men have drawn their last four league matches—three of them goalless—they remain a significant threat to the elite.

The Cherries are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against United, including a chaotic 4–4 draw at Old Trafford in December. A victory on Friday could propel Bournemouth into eighth place and reignite dreams of European qualification.

Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

  • Date: Friday, 20 March 2026
  • Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
  • Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
  • Referee: Stuart Attwell
  • VAR: Craig Pawson
  • Last Meeting: Manchester United 4–4 Bournemouth (15 Dec 2025, Premier League)

Team News

Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola faces a major doubt over Tyler Adams, who missed the draw at Burnley as a precaution. The hosts are definitely without Julio Soler, Lewis Cook, and Justin Kluivert. Notably, Ben Gannon-Doak returned to the bench last time out and could feature, while Adam Smith is expected to continue at right-back if Alex Jimenez remains on the bench.

Manchester United

Michael Carrick is managing a defensive crisis with Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Patrick Dorgu all ruled out. Notably, Noussair Mazraoui is a major doubt due to illness, while Mason Mount is fit to rejoin the squad but unlikely to start. Significantly, United’s attacking blueprint remains clear: each of Casemiro’s last five league goals has been assisted by Bruno Fernandes.

Form

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have become stalemate specialists, drawing each of their last four Premier League matches to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games. The Cherries are one draw away from matching the Premier League record of five consecutive stalemates. Significantly, they have been clinical on Friday nights, winning three of their four such fixtures this season.

Manchester United

Manchester United are the form team of 2026, winning seven of their nine games under Michael Carrick, including high-profile victories over Man City and Arsenal. However, their away form remains a point of concern; Carrick’s only defeat came on the road at Newcastle, and United have won just one of their last five away games played on a Friday night.

How to Watch Bournemouth vs Manchester United?

The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 GMT ahead of the 20:00 kick-off.

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

View publisher imprint