Manchester United will look to cement their position amongst the Premier League top four as they take on relegation candidate Bournemouth at Old Trafford in a midweek battle.
The Red Devils sit fourth in the table, two points above slipping Tottenham. They can pull a full five points clear with a victory, potentially pushing above Newcastle into third.
All eyes at Old Trafford will be on Marcus Rashford, who was sat on the bench last time out as a disciplinary measure for missing a team meeting, but came on as a substitute and turned the game. The England international was sensational at the World Cup and has continued his good form as the Premier League returns to action.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, sit just two points above the drop zone and have dropped three straight matches in all competitions since returning to action this winter. They have suffered consecutive 2-0 defeats in league play to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, well beaten in both games.
The Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
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Man United vs. Bournemouth live score
1H | 2H | Score | |
Man United | 1 | – | – |
Bournemouth | 0 | – | – |
Goals:
23rd min — MUN — Casemiro
Confirmed starting lineups:
Man United (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. De Gea (GK) — 29. Wan-Bissaka, 5. Maguire, 2. Lindelof, 23. Shaw — 18. Casemiro, 14. Eriksen — 8. Fernandes, 34. Van de Beek (Garnacho, 45′), 10. Rashford — 9. Martial.
Bournemouth (4-4-2, right to left): 1. Travers (GK) — 15. Smith, 25. Senesi, 5. Kelly, 6. Mepham — 32. Anthony, 4. Cook, 8. Lerma, 29. Billing — 9. Solanke, 10. Christie.
Man United vs Bournemouth live updates, highlights, commentary
Man United vs Bournemouth: Second half
Kickoff: The teams are out of the tunnel and the match is back under way at Old Trafford. No changes for either team as the second half gets going.
HALFTIME: Man United 1-0 Bournemouth
5 mins to 2nd half: Bournemouth were clearly second best in that first half, with just two shots and none on target. They created only one really positive move forward through 45 minutes, and held just 37 percent possession. Gary O’Neil, did well to turn Bournemouth around before the World Cup break, but he still has quite the job ahead of him to keep the Cherries up.
10 mins to 2nd half: Donny van de Beek, who needed a good showing to earn a place, had a poor half before being forced off due to injury. It’s another tough blow on a player who has fallen into oblivion at Old Trafford.
Before coming off, van de Beek had completed just seven of his 14 pass attempts (50%) and created one chance worth 0.02 xA. His 19 touches were far below the 41 of Casemiro or 54 of Christian Eriksen, and even well behind 31 for Marcus Rashford and 33 for Bruno Fernandes.
Halftime: The first half was sleepy at times, but Manchester United deserve their one-goal lead. Casemiro, the best player on the pitch through the opening 45 minutes, was the man to pick out the final touch on Christian Eriksen’s free-kick delivery and secure the halftime advantage.
👌 Since Casemiro joined #MUFC, no United player in the #PremierLeague has more:
Total tackles
Duels won
Aerial duels won
Possessions won in the middle thirdHe puts his side ahead against Bournemouth. #MUNBOU pic.twitter.com/kTY504k2bx
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) January 3, 2023
Man United vs. Bournemouth: First Half
45th min: Donny van de Beek’s day is done. He heads down the tunnel after trying his best to return to the pitch. Manchester United will make a change, with Alejandro Garnacho coming on. The young replacement will likely take the right wing position, with Bruno Fernandes moving centrally into van de Beek’s No. 10 role.
It’s a shame for the Dutchman, who needs minutes to establish a spot in the squad. You could see he was emotional about having to come off. The crowd gave him a good hand. We will play two minutes of added time.
Ten Hag walked down the touchline to check on Van de Beek, who seconds later headed straight for the tunnel. Nasty tackle from Senesi, although he did slip in the wet conditions. Garnacho now on #MUNBOU pic.twitter.com/OWCiQJjU3w
— Michael Plant (@MichaelPlant82) January 3, 2023
42nd min: Donny van de Beek is down injured, requiring treatment after a harsh tackle with Marcos Senesi. The referee holds back on showing the Argentine a yellow card, as it appeared he slipped on the very wet pitch. Van de Beek limps off, testing out his painful right leg, but he appears to be in a great deal of discomfort. He’s trying to walk it off, but has so far been unsuccessful.
41st min: Bournemouth now with another corner as they look to move forward, but it comes to nothing. Lots of defending for both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to do over the past few minutes. Casemiro continues to provide cover for the defensive line. He’s been fabulous in this match, outside of his goal.
Casemiro. Best player on the pitch. Again. #MUFC
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) January 3, 2023
36th min: The first yellow card of the match comes to Philip Billing, who yanks back Casemiro right at the top of the penalty area. Here’s a very dangerous free-kick chance for United vertically just a few feet outside the 18-yard box.
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen will all have a think about this…it’s the Danish midfielder who picks it out, and it’s a vicious effort, but it just takes a slight deflection off the head of Marcos Senesi and goes out for a corner.
33rd min: After a few minutes with Bournemouth pushing forward, United have gone right back on top. A furious spell of possession results in a few chances in front of net, but the Bournemouth defense holds firm. Christian Eriksen delivers a wonderful ball to the far post but it’s defended well, and then Bruno Fernandes nearly picks out Marcus Rashford from the opposite flank. United fans buzzing again.
28th min: Chance, Bournemouth! Save, David de Gea! Bournemouth spring on a turnover in the attacking half, and wonderful one-touch passing gets the ball through to Jadon Anthony. His sliding finish produces an exceptional save from the Spanish goalkeeper, but the flag goes up for offside, meaning it’s all for naught. Replay confirms it was the right call.
Worrying signs for United who seem to be losing their grip on the match a bit.
27th min: Chance, Bournemouth! The Cherries have their first look on goal of the match, also coming from a set-piece deep, but Dominic Solanke heads it over. A similar opportunity to the earlier one that Anthony Martial sent over for United.
23rd min: GOAL! MAN UNITED! On the ensuing free-kick delivery by Christian Eriksen, Casemiro gets on the end of a fantastic ball in, and the Red Devils open the scoring. The Brazilian meets it in flight with his right foot and pokes it goalward.
It’s another frustrating defensive showing from Bournemouth on set pieces, conceding their 11th set piece goal of the season, most in the Premier League.
Watch in USA:
Casemiro scores his first goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford! 🇧🇷
📺; @peacock #MyPLMorning | #MUNBOU pic.twitter.com/ptBe9liXM0
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2023
22nd min: The Old Trafford fans have come to life here as Marcus Rashford gets held up by Adam Smith on the left flank. The official, Michael Salisbury, blows his whistle giving United a free-kick chance. The crowd is slowly growing into the game after a sleepy start.
19th min: Donny van de Beek flubs a chance brought about on a wonderful delivery from Casemiro. It’s another vertical ball sent to the Dutchman making a run, but van de Beek can’t get it down on his chest and the chance evaporates. He’s having another poor match so far.
Donny van de Beek stinks.
Kind of wild comparing what he offers now to his brilliant days at Ajax. Have to wonder what happened. He’s been crap in every chance afforded to him at #MUFC
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) January 3, 2023
17th min: Bournemouth have a free-kick chance from horizontally on the left, but Jaidon Anthony’s delivery was horrendous, looping it over everyone in the penalty area and over the end line on the far side. Looks like he was aiming for the far post but missed very badly.
Rain coming down harder now, wonder if that had an effect on the set-piece delivery.
11th min: Chance, Man United! The Red Devils are the first side to have an eye for goal, as Luke Shaw’s vertical delivery into the penalty area finds the head of Anthony Martial, but it seems to have surprised the United striker, and he lashes the header over the crossbar.
#AFCB a bit sloppy with the passing in the midfield, but look comfortable enough. The hosts fling in a cross that Martial heads well wide after Billing loses the ball.
— Jack Tanner 🏴 (@EchoSportJack) January 3, 2023
10th min: This game has started very slow and sleepy on both ends. Bournemouth now the ones to knock it around but provide little threat on goal. Neither side starting with any real impetus. The commentators describe the match as “lukewarm” to start.
4th min: Ouch. Donny van de Beek comes flying through the back of Jefferson Lerma, a painful looking tackle. Surprising that’s not seen the Dutchman into the referee’s book, even this early.
Rain starts to fall at Old Trafford, as the conditions will now play a role in the game.
2nd min: United controlling much of the early possession, but doing little with it. Bournemouth are sitting back and hoping to spring turnovers in their own half before springing a counter-attack.
Kickoff: The match at Old Trafford is under way! United with a chance to go five points clear of fifth-placed Spurs, while Bournemouth can grab a big result amidst a relegation battle.
Man United vs. Bournemouth: Pre-Match
6 mins to kick: Today is big for Manchester United as they look to solidify their top four spot, but the individual with the most to gain today is Donny van de Beek. It feels as if the United outcast is running out of chances at the club, and another poor performance could seal his fate.
Donny van de Beek’s last three starts for Manchester United:
🆚 Real Sociedad: 19 touches.
🆚 Aston Villa (Premier League): 18 touches.
🆚 Aston Villa (Carabao Cup): 21 touches.
The Dutchman must impose himself on the game a lot more this evening.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Z0V8Wn3QIF
— George Smith (@_GeorgeSmith99) January 3, 2023
10 mins to kick: He’s not in the starting lineup, but Argentina international Lisandro Martinez was given a hero’s welcome as he returned to Old Trafford as a World Cup champion.
Lisandro Martinez gets a standing ovation at Old Trafford 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/eWIzVBd27T
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 3, 2023
23 mins to kick: Bournemouth are set to wear their…ahem…loud third kit today, a purple shirt with fern leaves across it. Let’s just say, it’s not really for me.
All set up 💜 pic.twitter.com/883cudMWIG
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 3, 2023
37 mins to kick: Erik ten Hag has addressed his lineup selections before kickoff. He stated that Antony is injured, requiring the introduction of Donny van de Beek as a No. 10 and pushing Bruno Fernandes out wide. He did not expand on the type or severity of the injury.
Ten Hag also confirmed that Raphael Varane is having a rest, while he did not discuss the decision to leave Lisandro Martinez on the bench in his return from the World Cup.
Ten Hag on Maguire/Lindelof CB choice: “They were the two we expected to play after the World Cup but they were ill. Now they are recovered.”
On Antony: “He is injured.”#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) January 3, 2023
50 mins to kick: It’s a 100th appearance for Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly, who reaches the milestone at 24 years old.
Kelly is a former England youth international who has struggled for time this season thanks to a long-term ankle injury that he’s only just recently recovered from. He arrived with the Cherries in 2019 from his hometown club Bristol City in a £13 million deal.
100 #afcb appearances for the skip ❤️
Love it, @lloydkelly4 🙌 pic.twitter.com/srjIkSDwFk
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 3, 2023
60 mins to kick: Lineups for both teams are in, and Erik ten Hag has rotated his side heavily, showing Bournemouth little respect. As mentioned earlier, Harry Maguire does indeed get the start, but surprisingly, it’s Victor Lindelof who is his centre-back partner. That means Raphael Varane drops to the bench for rest, while Lisandro Martinez fails to earn the start after returning from World Cup action.
Donny van de Beek also sees his name on the lineup sheet, just his second of the season after he was deployed in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in early November.
💬 Erik talks us through his team selection for #MUNBOU, including why @Antony00 misses out. #MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 3, 2023
78 mins to kick: There is some noise that Harry Maguire could get the start at centre-back tonight for Manchester United, with Lisandro Martinez also poised to return from his World Cup duties. That would leave Raphael Varane on the outside looking in. It wouldn’t be a shock, as Erik ten Hag and other Premier League managers look to rotate their players and avoid overuse knowing the World Cup took a toll on many of those that went deep in the competition, such as Varane with France.
EXCLUSIVE: Harry Maguire starts for #mufc vs Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/IX9jsP5EkM
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 3, 2023
100 mins to kick: Marcus Rashford has regained his form this season after struggling mightily last campaign. His return as a top player is a critical reason for Manchester United’s recent rise up the table in recent weeks, scoring three goals in the club’s last five Premier League matches.
That could re-ignite interest from abroad, including from PSG who have been linked to Rashford in the past. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is notoriously loose-lipped with his player acquisitions, stated in December to Sky Sports that he would be interested in signing Rashford this coming summer.
Rashford is out of contract with Manchester United, and his play this season will give the Red Devils reason to rethink their strategy of letting his deal run out. Italian publication Calciomercato claimed just yesterday that PSG will offer Rashford a contract worth €10 million per year, hoping to convince him to move abroad, although that reportedly falls short of what he earns right now at Manchester United.
🗣️ | Casemiro is a big fan of Marcus Rashford.
Can Rashford become one the world’s best footballers? pic.twitter.com/JeLK0y5krR
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) January 3, 2023
120 mins to kick: Anthony Martial is expected to start up front for Manchester United at the striker position today against Bournemouth. While the Red Devils have managed to create goalscoring chances in the current setup, that spot represents a clear need for the club this January.
There are a host of options, with United reportedly interested in their former man Memphis Depay, who is struggling for time at Barcelona. A reunion could be a cut-price option that brings a clear upgrade up front.
Read more about all of Manchester United’s rumoured transfer business here.
Manchester United are hoping to bring in a forward during the transfer window, but they don’t want to break the bank.
Memphis Depay, once of #MUFC, is a potential option; the Dutchman has just six months left on his contract with Barcelona and would be available for a cut-price.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 3, 2023
Man United vs. Bournemouth lineups & team news
In-form England international Marcus Rashford is returns to the starting lineup after starting last match on the bench, but coming on to provide an injection of positivity and turning the tide in Man United’s favor.
Otherwise, there are few expected changes. Luke Shaw was forced to deputise at center-back against Wolves over the weekend, but moves back to his natural left-back position. Erik ten Hag has rotated Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof into the lineup, with World Cup participants Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both available off the bench. Tyrell Malacia drops amongst the substitutes despite a positive showing against Wolves.
Diogo Dalot is nursing a hamstring injury, forcing out of favor Aaron Wan-Bissaka into the side, while Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho are also suffering from short-term issues that leave them out of starting contention.
Man United starting lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea (GK) — Wan-Bissaka, Varane, L. Martinez, Shaw — Casemiro, Eriksen — Antony, Fernandes, Rashford — Martial.
Man United subs (9): Heaton (GK), Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Dalot, McTominay, Fred, Elanga, Garnacho.
📋 Presenting our first line up of 2023! 🔴#MUFC || #MUNBOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 3, 2023
Bournemouth coach Gary O’Neil doesn’t have many options in his squad, but has still found ways to make changes given the struggles to restart play following the World Cup break. Most notably, the Cherries have moved to a 4-4-2 formation, as the 3-5-2 has proven unsuccessful lately.
The strike partnership of Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore continues to misfire, as Solanke has not scored since November 5, while his Welsh teammate has also drawn a blank in three straight despite impressing in Qatar. That sees Ryan Christie come in up front, replacing Moore.
Ryan Fredericks is out with a knock, while Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks are close to returning from thigh injuries but not quite ready yet. Goalkeeper Neto is nearing a return from his long-term injury, but will need to regain his fitness after being out since late October.
Bournemouth starting lineup (3-5-2): Travers (GK) — Mepham, Senesi, Kelly — Smith, Cook, Lerma, Dembele, Zemura — Solanke, Christie.
Bournemouth subs (9): Plain (GK), Zemura, Stephens, Stacey, Rothwell, Pearson, Dembele, Moore, Lowe.
📝 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📝
🔺 Two changes at Old Trafford
🔺 Mepham in from the off
🔺 Christie also startsYour team for #MUNBOU 💪 pic.twitter.com/spQ0E484Jd
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 3, 2023
How to watch Man United vs. Bournemouth
Date | Time | TV Channel | Streaming | |
UK | Tue, Jan. 3 | 20:00 GMT | — | — |
USA | Tue, Jan. 3 | 15:00 ET | — | Peacock TV |
Australia | Wed, Jan. 4 | 07:00 AEDT | — | Optus Sport |
Canada | Tue, Jan. 3 | 15:00 ET | — | fuboTV Canada |
Hong Kong | Wed, Jan. 4 | 04:00 HKT | — | Now E |
India | Wed, Jan. 4 | 01:30 IST | — | Hotstar VIP, JioTV |
Malaysia | Wed, Jan. 4 | 04:00 MYT | Astro Supersport | Astro Go, sooka |
New Zealand | Wed, Jan. 4 | 09:00 NZDT | Sky Sport 2 | SKY Go |
Singapore | Wed, Jan. 4 | 04:00 SGT | — | StarHub TV+ |
UK: This match is not being shown on live TV in the UK.
USA: Select matches are televised on USA Network (English) and Telemundo or Universo (Spanish), and all three channels can be streamed on fuboTV. The rest of the matches are streamed on NBC platform Peacock for subscribers. This match is only available to stream on Peacock.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream matches live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Canada: Every Premier League game streams live and on demand exclusively via fuboTV.
Man United vs Bournemouth betting odds & lines
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), and SkyBet (UK).
With both teams trending in opposite directions, it’s no surprise that Manchester United are massive favorites in this match. They are 1/5 favorites coming into the game, while Bournemouth are huge 10/1 underdogs.
The Cherries are also not expected to find the back of the net, as they are yet to score since returning to play following the World Cup break. United have also been stellar defensively, yet to concede in three matches since returning to action, including two in Premier League play.
BetMGM | Sports Interaction |
SkyBet | |
---|---|---|---|
Man United win | -400 | 1.20 | 1/5 |
Draw | +500 | 6.45 | 11/2 |
Bournemouth win | +1050 | 11.00 | 12/1 |
Both teams to score Y / N |
+100 / -140 | 1.97 / 1.66 | 10/11, 4/5 |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
-200 / +140 | 1.51 / 2.50 | 4/9, 13/8 |
Man United -1.5 | -145 | 1.65 | — |
Bournemouth +1.5 | +105 | 2.19 | — |