Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Ones to watch (Premier League)

Manchester United continue their quest for Champions League football with a trip to The Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth this Saturday.

The cost of success has caught up with Erik ten Hag‘s side in recent weeks, with fixture congestion playing a part in Manchester United‘s up-and-down form as the business end of the season approaches. The Reds recovered last week after consecutive league defeats with a 2-0 win against Wolves to take one step closer to a top-four finish.

Newcastle United continued their impressive season with a 4-1 win over Brighton mid-week and Liverpool’s faultless form in recent weeks means that there isn’t much room for error in the remaining three league games for United.

Read More: Erik ten Hag explains first step Manchester United must take to reach Man City

Bournemouth have secured safety from relegation quite comfortably after being many people’s favourites to go straight back down and Gary O’Neil’s team can play with the handbrake off in what will be a sunny afternoon on the South Coast.

The Reds have only won seven league games on the road this season but there is some good news – all those victories have come against teams 10th in the league or lower. A win against The Cherries on Saturday should all but secure Champions League football for next season, with two home games to come.

Here are the ones to watch ahead of the game.

Manchester United – Alejandro Garnacho

United’s no.49 made an instant impact from the bench on his return to the side last week, scoring late to secure the points against a stubborn Wolves side.

The Argentine could be ready to feature from the start for the first time since February.

With Marcus Rashford a doubt, United supporters will be looking to Alejandro Garnacho to unlock the Bournemouth defence.

Bournemouth – Philip Billing

Bournemouth have had a number of stand-out performers in a side that have surprised many this season – such as Jefferson Lerma and Neto – but Philip Billing has been arguably their most important.

The 26-year-old Dane has been a driving force in midfield and is The Cherries’ joint top scorer this season alongside Dominic Solanke.

An impressive season has led to links with a move abroad and Billing will be looking to make his mark on Saturday afternoon.