Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming, December 22, 2024

Manchester United faces AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 22, 2024. This Round 17 Premier League clash is set to kick off at 07:30 PM (IST). The pressure is on Manchester United, who are under the new guidance of Rúben Amorim. They find themselves unusually low in the standings, sitting in 13th place. Having secured only two wins from their last five matches, United hopes to recover from a tight 4-3 loss to Tottenham in the EFL Cup. Bruno Fernandes is United’s beacon. He leads as the top goal scorer with four goals this season.

Fernandes is central to United’s play, especially crucial now with injuries to Luke Shaw and Mason Mount. Bournemouth, meanwhile, enjoys a good run, sitting 6th in the table. They show resilience, such as in their recent 1-1 draw against West Ham, proving they can challenge United effectively.

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Prediction & Betting Tip

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Manchester United to win or draw	1.27

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Odds

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Manchester United Win	1.81
Draw	3.88
AFC Bournemouth Win	4.11

United enters as the favorites with odds of 1.81, despite inconsistent form. The odds for a draw are 3.88, reflecting a tight match based on recent clashes. Bournemouth’s win is at 4.11, indicating good performances but acknowledging the difficulty at Old Trafford. Odds for over and under 3.5 goals suggest a game that could either be low-scoring or high-paced with lots of goals. Also, the odds favor both teams scoring, hinting at an open and exciting match.

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth, Premier League Live streaming

The Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth match will take place at Old Trafford on December 22, starting at 7:30 PM IST. For fans looking to watch the match, Star Sports Network is the official broadcast partner for Premier League matches in India, and the live telecast of the game will be available on the Star Sports Select HD and SD channels. Also, fans can access the live streaming of the Premier League 2024-25 matches, including Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth, on Disney+ Hotstar.

Manchester United Team Analysis

Manchester United Recent Performance (LWWLL)

Home Team	Away Team	Result
Tottenham Hotspur	Manchester United	4 – 3
Manchester City	Manchester United	1 – 2
Viktoria Plzeň	Manchester United	1 – 2
Manchester United	Nottingham Forest	2 – 3
Arsenal	Manchester United	2 – 0

Manchester United’s recent form has been a rollercoaster. The team registered a crucial win over Manchester City, showcasing they can compete at top levels. Yet, defensive mishaps were evident in the League Cup against Tottenham, pointing to vulnerabilities. However, they have scored consistently, as shown in their 2-1 victory against Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League.

United struggles with defense, visible in their many conceded goals. With six wins in 16 games, sitting mid-table, they need improvement. Rúben Amorim is eager to boost stability, aiming to propel United up the Premier League standings.

Manchester United Key Players

Bruno Fernandes is United’s lifeline, with his creative spark and knack for scoring. With four goals this season, he orchestrates United’s attacks. In goal, Andre Onana uses his international experience to make pivotal saves. Up front, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Højlund bring speed and agility, unsettling defenses.

Manuel Ugarte dominates the midfield with tenacious tackles and smart passes. Despite injuries, Harry Maguire’s leadership in defense, along with Lisandro Martínez’s versatility, proves essential. Amorim’s tactics ask for rapid adjustments from Fernandes and Ugarte, pivoting with formation changes as required.

Manchester United Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury/Suspension	Expected return
Luke Shaw	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2025
Mason Mount	Muscle injury	Early January 2025
Victor Lindelof	Knock injury	Doubtful
Matthijs de Ligt	Illness	Doubtful
Jonny Evans	Knock injury	Doubtful
Noussair Mazraoui	Lack of fitness	Doubtful

Injuries strain United’s depth, mainly in defense and midfield creativity. Shaw’s hamstring issue and Mount’s muscle impact options in attack. Defensive stability is shaky with Lindelof and de Ligt’s possible absences, cramping Amorim’s selections.

Emerging players must step up, like Kobbie Mainoo, who has a chance to showcase his talents. Watching the medical team’s efforts to speed up recovery will be key as they significantly influence United’s tactics during this busy period.

Manchester United Tactics and Formation

Rúben Amorim prefers a 3-4-2-1 formation, blending solid defense with swift attacks. This setup focuses on wing play, likely using Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui if fit. Bruno Fernandes will orchestrate attacks, threading passes to crack defenses.

Harry Maguire’s leadership is crucial in defense, providing strength and aerial threats in set pieces. Amorim counts on Ugarte and Mainoo in midfield to control the game’s pace and manage possession.

Strikers like Amad Diallo are made for fast breaks, using their speed on counters against Bournemouth’s defense. Tactical flexibility is crucial, with United’s mix of youth and experience balancing player absences nicely.

AFC Bournemouth Team Analysis

AFC Bournemouth Recent Performance (N/A)

Home Team	Away Team	Result
Bournemouth	West Ham United	1 – 1
Tottenham Hotspur	Bournemouth	0 – 1
Bournemouth	Wolves	4 – 2
Bournemouth	Manchester City	2 – 1

Bournemouth has shined recently, beating top teams like Tottenham and Manchester City. Their attack stood out in a 4-2 win against Wolves, and their recent 1-1 draw with West Ham emphasizes their defensive resilience in a crunch. Despite fluctuating near the top half, their offensive style creates multiple chances, averaging nearly seven corners per outing.

This positive momentum strengthens their hopes for a good outcome at Old Trafford.

AFC Bournemouth Key Players

Justin Kluivert leads Bournemouth’s attack, with his speed and five goals this season marking a big impact. His aggressive style could capitalize on United’s defensive errors. Enes Ünal bolsters the attack, known for his tactical savvy, especially during set pieces.

Defender Ilya Zabarnyi is tireless, showcasing full match stamina this season. Antoine Semenyo adds creativity from the wings, diversifying Bournemouth’s tactics. This success brings attention from bigger clubs, though transfer speculation could disturb focus.

AFC Bournemouth Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury/Suspension	Expected return
No current injuries to report for AFC Bournemouth

Fortunately, Bournemouth arrives injury-free, giving them lineup flexibility. With a full squad, they stay true to their primary tactics, countering United’s injury woes with consistency.

AFC Bournemouth Tactics and Formation

Bournemouth uses flexible tactics, adapting to opponent weaknesses. They often focus on attacking formations, using wide spaces and fluid wing play. Defenders like Zabarnyi anchor their system, supporting both defense and forward plays.

Their attacking plans show variety, utilizing set-pieces and dynamic positioning to create opportunities, evidenced by xG numbers. They leverage quick transitions, relying on quick-footed attackers, regularly adjusting tactics to match game flow.

Their dual approach, alternating between defense and attack, challenges opponents by demanding adaptability. This ability gives them the edge, especially with United needing constant defensive awareness.

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
AFC Bournemouth	Manchester United	2 – 2
Manchester United	AFC Bournemouth	0 – 3
AFC Bournemouth	Manchester United	0 – 1
Manchester United	AFC Bournemouth	3 – 0
Manchester United	AFC Bournemouth	5 – 2

Historically, United dominates Bournemouth in the Premier League. Notable is Bournemouth’s surprising 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season. A recent 2-2 draw suggests a growing rivalry and a shift in outcomes.

These matches have seen varied scoring, hinting at another potential goal-fest. Bournemouth’s recent form indicates they’re a credible threat at Old Trafford, challenging United’s home resilience.

Old Trafford is typically a fortress for United, often leading to frequent wins over visiting teams. These stats add layers to the current match, setting the stage for possible upsets.

Venue and Weather

Old Trafford, hosting up to 74,000 fans, is the backdrop for this high-stakes match. Known for its electric atmosphere, the “Theatre of Dreams” demands high performance amid a sea of support.

Forecasts call for light rain and cool temps around 6°C, possibly affecting ball control and player movement. Slick pitches could benefit fast-passing teams and make for precision in long-range shots.

Wind will influence set pieces and aerial duels, prompting tactical tweaks. Coaches need to consider these conditions in preparing strategies, maximising ground play, or adapting to wind dynamics.

The weather’s role in English football adds an unpredictable element, often rewarding teams with sharp focus and adaptability. Such conditions can make games uniquely thrilling, adding to matchday anticipation.