Mason Mount may finally make his first start for Manchester United in 2025 as Rúben Amorim selects his squad to face Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United’s next assignment sees them head to the south coast, where Rúben Amorim’s men will take on an in-form Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
United will be looking for redemption after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Andoni Iraola’s side at Old Trafford late last year — a result that still stings.
Their most recent league outing ended in disappointment, with Pablo Sarabia’s brilliant late free-kick earning Wolves a 1-0 victory and denying André Onana a clean sheet.
With domestic form faltering, United’s focus is steadily shifting toward their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, where Champions League qualification and a crucial £85 million prize are on the line.
Mount in line for first start in 2025
Although Amorim has one eye on United’s Europa League semi-final in midweek, he has admitted that he will still look to play his best starting XI as United face Bournemouth.
With this in mind, André Onana is almost certain to start in goal as Amorim continues to show faith in the Cameroon international despite rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
As for the defence, it’s expected that Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro will be reinstated as the back three after a week-long rest. Despite some worries that overplaying Maguire may be a risky idea, Amorim has stated he sometimes feels the best way to manage players is to give them rhythm.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte may start together in midfield, with the fixture against Bournemouth no doubt going to be a very tough test. Having both South Americans in midfield may give Amorim more control.
Diogo Dalot has been ruled out for the foreseeable future, so he must be replaced. Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu was deployed on the right against Wolves and played well. Considering he may start there against Bilbao, Amorim may want to give him further minutes to get comfortable on the right-hand side.
On the left, Harry Amass may be granted his third Premier League start in a row, having been applauded for his appearances at the club so far.
In attack, Mason Mount may be handed his first start in 2025 after his return from injury has seen him come off the bench for six fixtures in a row, with Alejandro Garnacho potentially rested.
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In the striker position, although many would like to see Chido Obi start, it’s thought that Rasmus Højlund may be given the nod to build momentum ahead of the Bilbao trip. At the same time, Bruno Fernandes is expected to make his return to the side, starting on the right of the front three, with Mount on the left.
United predicted XI vs Bournemouth
Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dorgu, Ugarte, Casemiro, Amass, Fernandes, Højlund, Mount.
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