Andoni Iraola explains key Manchester United change since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag | OneFootball

Man United remain inconsistent but Bournemouth boss insists there has been progress

Andoni Iraola believes Manchester United are already a “different” side under Ruben Amorim.

Iraola takes his Bournemouth side to Old Trafford on Sunday with the Cherries sitting seven places but only three points ahead of their opponents.

"I think they are different," said Iraola, whose side won the equivalent game 3-0 last year.

"I think they play in a different way, different system, different approach to the games. I think they keep the games more in their control. They've raised the possession they have on the ball and they have really good patterns.

"If we allow them to dictate the game and to be the team taking the decisions on the ball, it's going to be very difficult because I think they are playing very well.

"They are conceding very few chances, very few goals, they have very good defensive stats. They already had this with (Erik) ten Hag this season because they've signed also new defenders, good defenders, and they've improved from past seasons defensively overall and I think they are continuing now."

Andoni Iraola has warned Bournemouth to expect a tough test at Old Trafford

PA

It was a different story defensively on Thursday for United against Tottenham, with United trailing 3-0 before eventually losing 4-3.

"I think probably they deserved more," said Iraola. "A lot of goals but I think they had very good moments. Playing against Tottenham away, it's always a difficult place to go and I think overall in the games they've been composed.

"Even when they are losing, when they want to risk a little bit more or open the game a bit more like yesterday second half, they can do it. I see they manage very well the moments of the game. I think it's going to be difficult for us."

One weakness Bournemouth could look to exploit is from set-pieces, with United conceding regularly from corners in particular while it has been a profitable avenue for the Cherries.

Iraola said: "It's true that they've conceded a good amount of goals from set-plays but I think they have very good defenders and a lot of the goals are very good execution from the opposition.

"I hope we can, as we do every week, prepare well also for set-plays, try to be successful. We are not the tallest of the teams. More the opposite, we are quite a short team, but I think we are having some success in our offensive set-plays."

Additional reporting by PA Sport.