Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• United are on their longest winless run, seven games, in over ten years
• Bournemouth have avoided defeat in the last six meetings between these two
• The Cherries have scored eight goals without conceding in their last three games

Carrick under pressure

Michael Carrick is favourite to be the next Premier League manager to depart after a chastening start to the season for Manchester United, which has seen them win just two of their 11 games in all competitions.

They were victories over Ipswich in the Premier League and Sabah in Europe, with a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday their latest disappointment.

Bruno Fernandes openly criticised the manager after that performance and it’s fair to say that Carrick is drinking in the last chance saloon as his team host Bournemouth at Old Trafford this weekend.

The Cherries had a slow start to the season themselves but three wins on the bounce in all competitions without conceding have really improved the mood around the club.

Bournemouth’s latest win was a 3-0 home success over Milan in the Europa League, a remarkable achievement considering the respective histories of the two clubs.

Cherries on the up

Marco Rose’s men are unfortunate to have just six points from seven league games, with their failure to see out results early in the campaign a big issue.

Their increased defensive solidity in recent games is a big boost and they are a tempting price to get a result at Old Trafford, where they have a strong record.

The visitors have scored at least three goals in their last three away games against these opponents, two of which were victories and the other was a draw.

In fact, Manchester United have failed to win any of the last six meetings between these two teams and it’s hard to see them reversing that trend given their poor form as of late.

The three teams to beat the away side this season have been Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea and the Red Devils are simply not operating at that level at present.

Star forward Eli Junior Kroupi is nearing a return from injury and could be a real danger for a Bournemouth team who cannot be underestimated. Take the Cherries or draw double chance as the pressure on Carrick looks set to mount further.

Evanilson the one to watch

Both teams have scored in five of Manchester United’s last six games and considering how open they have been this season, that trend looks set to continue. Correct score backers should consider a 2-1 win for Bournemouth.

Evanilson has been crucial to the attacking success of Rose’s team, with three goals and four assists already this term. Against a leaky Manchester United side he looks a solid bet to find the net again.