
EPL Index
·26. April 2025
Man United Starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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·26. April 2025
Ruben Amorim, determined to stabilise Manchester United’s erratic Premier League campaign, is set to recall several key players for Sunday’s crucial clash against AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
After disappointing defeats to Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, United find themselves languishing in 14th place. With just five matches remaining, they trail the top half of the table by ten points – an uncomfortable reality for a club of their stature.
The midweek absence of domestic action allowed Amorim and his coaching staff a full week to prepare, focusing minds firmly on ending a troubling winless run in the league, which stretches back to the victory over Leicester City prior to the international break.
“We need to have that feeling that every game is important,” Amorim explained during his pre-match press conference. “And we have to win every game, because that is a feeling that’s really important – not to lose.”
He continued: “Of course, you can see the context. But I think we are going to face this game with the best team, because we had a full week to prepare, some of the players did not play against Wolverhampton, so sometimes, if you recover so much of the players, it is a bad thing. So I will try to manage everything to win this game and to prepare for the next one.”
Photo IMAGO
Amorim’s strongest possible XI against AFC Bournemouth will be missing Diogo Dalot, who is sidelined with a calf injury. His absence opens the door for Patrick Dorgu to retain his place at right wing-back, a role he filled capably in the defeat at Molineux. On the opposite flank, young Harry Amass is again tipped to start.
There are expected changes at the heart of defence too, where Harry Maguire and rising star Leny Yoro should reclaim their spots in the back three, replacing Victor Lindelof and Tyler Fredricson.
Casemiro is set to partner Manuel Ugarte in central midfield, with Christian Eriksen likely making way. Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Fernandes is poised to return to the starting lineup, taking the creative role behind Rasmus Hojlund. Kobbie Mainoo, who has featured heavily in recent weeks, is expected to drop to the bench.
The predicted Manchester United XI to face AFC Bournemouth is:Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dorgu, Ugarte, Casemiro, Amass; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Photo: IMAGO
While thoughts inevitably drift toward next week’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, Amorim has been at pains to stress that there can be no complacency domestically. Building momentum ahead of that pivotal European tie is essential, and he knows a sluggish display at the south coast could further erode confidence.
United’s inconsistency this season has left supporters frustrated, with every small improvement immediately followed by setbacks. This trip to Bournemouth, a side not mathematically safe from relegation themselves, represents both an opportunity and a risk. Lose, and the noise around Old Trafford will only grow louder. Win, and perhaps Amorim’s project can finally begin to gather some much-needed momentum.
United’s injury list remains worryingly extensive. Along with Dalot, Amorim will be without Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Toby Heaven, Joshua Zirkzee, and Dan Gore Collyer. It means there will once again be heavy reliance on a blend of senior pros and emerging talent.
The match kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday, 27 April 2025, at the Vitality Stadium. Fans in the UK can watch live coverage on Sky Sports.
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