Game Week 8 Predictions: Manchester United to struggle again on Sunday?

Manchester United's form leaves too much to be desired, but they cannot afford to lose to Bournemouth on Sunday. Will the Cherries heap ...

Manchester United's form leaves too much to be desired, but they cannot afford to lose to Bournemouth on Sunday. Will the Cherries heap more misery on Michael Carrick? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Bournemouth

Old Trafford Stadium

3:00pm

Michael Carrick is walking on thin ice. The 4-1 embarrassment in midweek at Como left too much to be desired. United can't afford another dropped point at home against Bournemouth.

The Cherries had a filled day on Thursday in the Europa League. Marco Rose orchestrated arguably the biggest night in the history of the Cherries as they beat AC Milan 3-0. Is there a better way to prepare for the Red Devils?

Bournemouth has enjoyed a recent run of good results against the Red Devils. Four draws and a comprehensive 3-0 win in December of 2024 under Ruben Amorim complete the last five between the two. Bournemouth will hope for more of the same on Sunday.

Manchester United currently sit in 15th place on the log, but any win will send them into the top 10. A loss against the Cherries on Sunday won't only plunge United further down the log, it will also signal the likely end of Michael Carrick's regime in the dugout.

Manchester United is without a win in seven games. Four draws and three losses in that run explain why United cannot afford to drop points on Sunday. Whatever they do, they must win this one.

Seven points from seven league games and three points from three Champions League games show consistency, but a wrong type of consistency that frustrates fans. Can Carrick turn things around at Old Trafford?

Bournmouth, under Marco Rose, blends wing play with intense pressing. Marcus Tavernier has been the glue between the defence and the attack for the Cherries. If United doesn't find ways to keep him quiet, he has what it takes to hurt them.

For United, it's always Bruno Fernandes. The reigning Premier League player of the year creates chances for fun, but he's had more off days this season than impressive displays. What version of Bruno Fernandes are we expecting to see on Sunday?

The Portuguese took to the media to throw his coach under the bus after the humiliation at Como in the Champions League. Although Carrick didn't debunk Bruno's assertions, you wonder if the captain was supposed to go that far in the media.

In the midweek loss, Carrick deployed Youri Tielemans in the hole and Bruno on the flanks. It didn't work, but will Carrick try it again? Carlos Baleba looks like the best option in midfield for United, but can his fitness take them all the way?

Evanilson has scored in each of his last four games. The Brazilian will be a thorn in the flesh of the United defenders on Sunday. Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez are the options available to Carrick at centre back. What will the shape look like?

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are the ones to look out for in the United attack. Amad Traore is always an option, but his fitness is still suspect. Joshua Zirkzee scored United's consolation goal in midweek; is it time for the Dutchman to start?

Verdict: Both teams to score.