Team News: Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)

Manchester United could welcome back the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot as Erik ten Hag’s men prepare to take on Premier League strugglers Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Three wins from three after the World Cup break has seen The Reds book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and move up to fourth in the Premier League table, just two points behind third placed Newcastle United. A win for Ten Hag‘s men could see his side leapfrog The Magpies who make the long trip down south to take on league leaders Arsenal.

Bournemouth are having a difficult start to life back in the Premier League. Gary O’Neil has yet to win a game since being named as the permanent manager and his team sit just two points outside of the relegation zone with a -18 goal difference.

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Results have been kind to Manchester United since the Premier League resumed and last night gave Ten Hag another boost with Liverpool falling to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford. A win against Bournemouth could see United move seven points clear of rivals Liverpool and provide a bit of breathing room in the race for Champions League football.

Manchester United team news

The big news for Manchester United is that Lisandro Martinez should be in line to return after his World Cup winning exploits for Argentina. The centre-back resumed training last week but the United boss felt he wasn’t quote ready to feature against Wolves.

Diogo Dalot has also returned to training after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty. Ten Hag offered an update on Dalot in his press conference which suggests he won’t be rushed back to start but could be named on the bench.

Ten Hag stated: “Dalot also made good progress. We don’t want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come and we need a full squad to cover all the games.” Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who has been a fine deputy for Dalot in the last couple of weeks – will be hoping to keep his place.

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Jadon Sancho was seen arriving at Carrington after undergoing a personalised training regime but it’s unclear if he’s ready to return to the fold. The United boss has been coy on Jadon Sancho and there doesn’t appear to be a rush to bring him back, which longer-term may prove to be a good move benefiting both Sancho and the club if he can rediscover his Dortmund form.

There are no fresh concerns for United with the majority of the squad available for selection. With a packed schedule ahead – for all teams, not just United – some rotation is to be expected ahead of the FA Cup tie on Friday night against Everton.

Bournemouth team news

Bournemouth’s task won’t be made any easier with Gary O’Neil’s side likely to be missing two key players in midfield: Phil Billing and Marcus Tavernier.

Billing had to be substituted in the first half against Crystal Palace at the weekend after feeling pain in his hip and whilst it’s yet to be determined how long he’ll be out, O’Neil will be hoping he can play some part.

Tavernier has missed Bournemouth’s last two games with a hamstring injury which has proven to be a huge blow for The Cherries after the midfielder’s impressive start to the season. The Bournemouth boss has confirmed that he will miss the United game and is expected to be out for ‘a few more weeks’.

Goalkeeper Neto and midfielder David Brooks also remain side-lined.