PREVIEW: Manchester United aim to cement their position in the top four as they travel to in-form Bournemouth | OneFootball

Bournemouth’s season has been almost a three-part play, from sitting comfortably in the top four thanks to an unbelievable run at the start of the season to then slipping right back down the table after a dismal turn of form around Christmas. Since, they have regained that form and now sit in 10th, having not tasted defeat in the league since January 3rd. Victories against Liverpool and Everton, alongside four draws in a row have breathed new life into the Cherries’ season so far.

Their recent performances have left little to be desired of Iraola’s side, but players such as Kroupi Jr. and Rayan have been revelations in the second half of this season. Draws to West Ham, Sunderland, Brentford and Burnley have meant Bournemouth have failed to make a jump into the European places, yet hope still remains high at the Vitality as the side are just two points off eighth place, which will almost certainly be enough for a European place.

Manchester United have been reborn under former player Michael Carrick, the ex-United midfielder has overseen a dramatic upturn in form after the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January. Since then, United have lost just one of their nine games managed by Carrick, taking them from mid-table to third in the Premier League. The side’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday meant the Red Devils leapfrogged the Villains into third and are in a prime position to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2023.

That victory over Villa made it three wins in their last five, so confidence will be riding high in the United camp as they will be hoping to create a sizeable gap between themselves and the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Bournemouth have had to contend with the departure of star player Antoine Semenyo after the Ghanaian joined Manchester City in January but the performances of Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier and Tyler Adams have all made sure Semenyo’s presence hasn’t been missed too heavily at the Vitality this season.

Iraola is without certain key players, including Adams who has slight discomfort in his knee and isn’t expected to return to action until next month. He is joined in the treatment room by Justin Kluivert who has a while to go as he recovers from his knee injury. Midfielder Lewis Cook is also unavailable as he has a hamstring injury to recover from.

As for Man United, the performances of summer signings Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha have been the headline grabbers this season, but the significant improvement from full-back Patrick Dorgu had been key to the Carrick revival. However, Dorgu sustained a hamstring injury after the side’s victory at the Emirates against Arsenal, and the Denmark international is still out with the issue and won’t be back until the end of April.

Elsewhere, Matthijs De Light has been missing for months with a lower back issue and isn’t expected to return until mid-April. He is joined in the treatment room by fellow defender Lisandro Martinez who has a calf injury.

Friday’s clash is a great chance for Bournemouth to realise their European potential, whereas Manchester United have the perfect chance to solidify their place in the top four and add even further credence to Michael Carrick’s bid to become the next permanent Manchester United manager.

Bournemouth vs Manchester United kicks off at 8:00pm GMT on Friday 20th March and is available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.