Man Utd host Bournemouth as Michael Carrick faces pressure

Old Trafford Showdown as Manchester United Welcome Bournemouth

Manchester United head into Sunday afternoon’s fixture at Old Trafford looking to arrest a slump that leaves them sitting 13th in the Premier League table, standard.co.uk reported. Radio Times reported that the club sits just two points above the relegation zone after managing only one win from their first seven league outings. The Red Devils are eager to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 defeat away at Como in the UEFA Champions League, a result that prompted captain Bruno Fernandes to publicly question the team’s tactical setup, according to Radio Times and AOL. Manager Michael Carrick faces mounting scrutiny during a seven-match winless run in all competitions. AOL reported that Carrick was forced to apologize to supporters following the humbling defeat in Italy, while a section of the fanbase turned on the manager on social media. Despite the pressure, Carrick remains defiant about his position, telling reporters he is 100 percent focused on the task ahead, as noted by AOL.

Squad Injuries and Defensive Options Against the Cherries

Manchester United continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list ahead of Sunday’s clash. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo remains sidelined for another week with a knock picked up during a 1-1 draw with Tottenham, according to standard.co.uk. He joins Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, and Tom Heaton in the treatment room, alongside Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford, who are both out with their respective knocks. However, the defensive line receives a boost with the return of Leny Yoro. Yoro is available again after serving a European suspension, having started every match following the autumn international break. Standard.co.uk noted that Yoro could earn an immediate recall to partner Harry Maguire in central defense, particularly after Matthijs de Ligt looked rusty during his first start in nearly a year during the midweek match in Italy. AOL reported that young defender Ayden Heaven is also back training with the group after recovering from an illness that kept him out of matches against Leeds United and Como.

Carrick Expects to Deploy 4-2-3-1 Formation

Michael Carrick is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation against Bournemouth. In goal, Senne Lammens is anticipated to retain his place between the posts. The back four is projected to feature Diogo Dalot at right-back, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire in the center, and Noussair Mazraoui at left-back. In midfield, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos are expected to anchor the center of the pitch. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, and Amad Diallo will look to create openings in the final third. Bryan Mbeumo is predicted to lead the line up top, utilizing his pace to stretch the opposition defense, while Joshua Zirkzee starts among the substitutes. Opponents Bournemouth enter the fixture following a 2-0 victory over Sunderland last weekend that placed them 15th in the standings, one point above the relegation zone, according to Radio Times. The Cherries played AC Milan on Thursday in a UEFA Europa League tie and travel to Manchester looking to compound the pressure on Carrick’s side.

Bookmakers Price Manchester United as Slight Favorites

Bookmakers price Manchester United as slight favorites at 11/10, with Bournemouth at 21/10 and a draw available at 5/2, according to standard.co.uk odds. Squawka reported a popular bet builder option priced at 12.9/1 with bet365, combining legs that include both teams to score, a shot on target for Bryan Mbeumo, a shot on target for Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier, and a yellow card for defender Antonio Silva. Statistics indicate that both teams have scored in five of Manchester United’s seven league matches, while Bournemouth matches have seen goals at both ends in five out of seven outings. Mbeumo has registered a shot on target in all seven of his league appearances this season, scoring four goals, while Tavernier has hit the target in four of his seven league outings for the Cherries.

More on this story: Man Utd risk losing Antonio Conte to Juventus amid Carrick pressure

More on Man Utd: Michael Carrick apologises after Man Utd's 4-1 loss to Como · Man Utd sound out Julian Nagelsmann to replace Carrick, reports standard.co.uk · Man Utd plan defensive overhaul, targeting Lewis Hall, per reports