Early team news for Cherries clash

Thursday 07 December 2023 17:00

Manchester United approach Saturday's Premier League match with Bournemouth buoyed by the 2-1 defeat of Chelsea in midweek.

The Reds got back on track, thanks to a brace from Scott McTominay, despite Cole Palmer's effort for the visitors.

The games keep coming thick and fast in this busy month but Jonny Evans was back in the squad, and used as a late substitute, after recovering from injury.

Antony and Rasmus Hojlund started and pressed from the outset, while Luke Shaw operated at left-back in the first half before switching to the middle after the interval, when Sergio Reguilon replaced Victor Lindelof.

Sofyan Amrabat performed well in the engine room, after being drafted in for Kobbie Mainoo, while there are a number of attacking options, with Marcus Rashford coming on during the closing stages of the win over the Blues.

Raphael Varane was not named in the matchday squad on Wednesday due to a sore back.

Amad has returned to training with the first-team squad, as he gets back to fitness after a knee injury, but the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen have been on the sidelines.

BOURNEMOUTH'S TEAM NEWS

The Cherries are in top form, unbeaten in their last four outings, with manager Andoni Iraola managing to impose his style and influence on the side after settling into life in England. Centre-forward Kieffer Moore came off the bench to score the clinching second goal in the fine midweek victory at Crystal Palace.

The visitors have got a few injury issues to contend with, as Lloyd Kelly, Tyler Adams and Max Aarons are all out with thigh problems. Eye-catching recruit from Bristol City, Alex Scott, has been unfortunate since joining and is sidelined with a knee issue.

Updates are awaited on Darren Randolph, Ryan Fredericks and Emiliano Marcondes. Ivory Coast international Hamed Traore should be fine, despite missing the victory at Selhurst Park due to illness.

"We only have three days before Old Trafford," said Iraola. "He had a temperature and a normal cold, I would say. I hope he can be available for the weekend."

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