Manchester United have been training with a 4-3-3 formation in preparation for Bournemouth | OneFootball

Manchester United have dedicated a significant amount of time during training sessions in preparation for the game against Bournemouth lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, according to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell.

Man United host the Cherries at Old Trafford tonight and could be without the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui due to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim told his players in a team meeting before facing Wolverhampton Wanderers that a change was on the cards.

While the Portuguese did not elaborate too much on what he meant, those listening were left with a distinct impression that a tactical shift was on the horizon.

Three of the key players in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation are away on international duty later this month, which has left him with no choice but to switch things up.

Injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire could also force his hands, and Man United have been practising pressing schemes, with Amorim working on a 4-3-3 defensive system.

Being without some of his major players for the next few weeks means the Red Devils boss has to be creative, and a major change could be seen tonight.

Man United have won two of their last three league games, drawing the other, and they will look to pick up all three points against tonight’s visitors.

Victory over the Cherries would see the Old Trafford club move into fifth place in the table, and the result will give them a much-needed boost before they take on Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

The season started on an underwhelming note for the Red Devils, but they have lost just once in their last nine league games after losing three of their opening six games.

They will be desperate to maintain that form and Amorim is ready to change his philosophy as long as it gets him winning.