Ruben Amorim's Manchester United dubbed 'very average' amid mixed Bournemouth predictions

21 Dec 2024, 08:00 by Sean McCormick · Manchester Evening News

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, looking to bounce back from their disappointing exit in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.

Ruben Amorim's side were beaten 4-3 by Tottenham Hotspur in North London, despite second half goals from Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo and Jonny Evans.

It means attention now turns back towards the league, as they look to improve on their current 13th placed position and move into the top half of the table and back into European contention.

The first step on that journey is against Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with the Cherries currently three points above United and flying high in sixth place.

With that in mind, Manchester Evening News have rounded up the predictions of a number of prominent Premier League pundits and they have offered some mixed verdicts.

Chris Sutton

The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: "While every Manchester United fan was smiling after last weekend's derby, they are still 13th, seven places below Bournemouth in the table.

"There is an awful lot of work to be done at Old Trafford and it does not sound like Marcus Rashford has the stomach for the fight.

"From what he has said this week, it seems like he wants out and it feels like many United fans would say 'good riddance'.

"The new United manager, Ruben Amorim, does not have an agenda against Rashford, but he is trying to set some standards in his first few weeks at the club.

"He has made a big call, saying what he did about Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho after leaving them out of the Manchester City game, but he is entitled to do that. He has got a short-term issue of trying to win some games but also the long-term aim of setting the standards he wants from his squad.

"Amorim left the carrot dangling there for both players saying that, if they apply themselves properly, they can come back into the fold - and there is nothing wrong with that, either.

"That was how it worked at most clubs I played for, but Rashford has responded with this talk of needing 'a new challenge'. It is going to be interesting to see what happens next, and which clubs come in for him now.

"Back to the game, and I was at Old Trafford in December last year when the Cherries won 3-0.

"I love what Andoni Iraola has done at Bournemouth and they have been great to watch this season too - they always create loads of opportunities.

"While Amad Diallo has been exceptional since Amorim arrived, United remain a very average team, and I fancy Bournemouth to repeat their result from 12 months ago.

"United fans get very angry whenever I predict they will lose, and can be quite bullish about it on social media - although they are usually wise after the event rather than making a call before the game like me. I wonder how confident they are feeling at the moment?"

Sutton's prediction:Manchester United 1-2 Bournemouth

Mark Lawrenson

The former BBC Sport pundit told Paddy Power: "Everyone knows that I love Bournemouth but I think Manchester United will be too strong for them.

"United always looks like conceding a goal but they must be sky high with that derby win."

Lawrenson's prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "Bournemouth went to Old Trafford and won last year, didn't they? Interesting. I personally feel Manchester United look better under Ruben Amorim. They played some decent football against Manchester City in my opinion. But this is a very tough game to call, especially considering how much Bournemouth have improved since their win here last time around.

"Marcus Rashford recently spoke about his desire for a new challenge away from Manchester United. I don't see him going anywhere though. United are on a rebuild and they are trying to sell one of their best players? What does that tell you about Rashford? If you are some other team and you want to sign him for £50-60 million at £200,000 per week, you are bound to think why are United even letting him go.

"PSG spent a fortune on Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi and failed to win the Champions League. Do they really want to repeat something similar with Rashford just to win Ligue 1, which they will anyway end up winning without him?

"I don't see where he goes unless it's Saudi Pro League and that would be a shame for him at this age. I'd be shocked if someone signs Rashford and that's the problem for Manchester United. When you give out such contracts, there is always the risk of form changing, circumstances changing and now United are stuck.

"Even when Manchester United win, teams always end up having chances against them so that's a problem. But I have a feeling they will edge it, despite this being a difficult game."

Merson's prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham manager told Bet Victor: "What a moment for Manchester United and Amad Diallo last week, that should give everyone associated with the club such a lift. I’m curious how they follow it up though, United have been such an inconsistent side this season and Bournemouth are flying.

"Bournemouth probably should have beaten West Ham on Monday, but it was a decent point in the end. What a free kick that was as well, the technique was just fantastic!

"Bournemouth are so well-coached and their energy and pressing will make this awkward for the home side. I think United win this, just."

One to watch - How can it not be Amad Diallo; he’s the man of the moment for United.

Redknapp's prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth

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