Manchester United take on AFC Bournemouth today, aiming for their second Premier League win in a row after last weekend’s derby success.
The Red Devils have only played against the Cherries 22 times, winning 14, drawing four and losing four times.
United will also be looking to recover from a crazy, error-strewn performance which saw them lose 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
It will be no easy task however as only Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have earned more points across the past 10 matches than Bournemouth’s 17.
Here are three storylines to whet the appetite.
United seeking revenge for last season
The Red Devils also played Bournemouth at Old Trafford in December last season but they will be looking for a very different outcome.
They were taken apart 3-0 by the visitors with Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi finding the back of the net.
United also could count themselves rather lucky to pick up one point last April when they escaped the Vitality Stadium with a 2-2 draw.
The Cherries have only won three out of 14 league games between the two sides however as United have dominated the fixture historically. They did lose the first Premier League game between the two sides back in the 2015/2016 season, however.
Bruno Fernandes will want to keep up top form
Bruno Fernandes started the season poorly for his standards but has roared back into life since the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
According to the BBC, “Bruno Fernandes has scored four goals and assisted three in seven Premier League appearances since Erik ten Hag was sacked.”
He recently scored in the win at City which brought his side level and provided an assist for Joshua Zirkzee on Thursday night at Spurs.
All in all, he has six goals and 10 assists in all competitions as he has proven his worth to the team once more and he will be desperate to lead his side to an all-important victory against Bournemouth to give his fans some Christmas cheer.
Amad Diallo will aim to maintain his hot streak
Amad has been United’s standout man since Ten Hag left the club.
The Ivorian has provided “a league-high five assists since the start of November” and has been a thorn in the side of any team he has come up against.
He won the penalty against City last time out and scored a wonderful goal to give his side a win that will last long in the memory.
He had to make do with a place on the bench against Spurs but his incredible pressing led to a goal and he also provided an assist for Jonny Evans to head in United’s third.
To highlight his importance, no Manchester United player has produced more goals or assists at a better rate than Amad Diallo this season with the Ivorian international returning a contribution every 111 minutes.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
