Man United arrive in strong form under Michael Carrick, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro key threats. Despite a solid record at Bournemouth, their poor Friday away form offers hope for the Cherries under the Vitality Stadium lights.
As AFC Bournemouth prepare to host Manchester United under the lights at Vitality Stadium on Friday night, we've uncovered statistics surrounding the visitors which add further intrigue to what promises to be a compelling encounter.
An Impressive Vitality Stadium Record
Manchester United have lost just two of their eight away Premier League games against Bournemouth (W4 D2). Their last two visits to the Vitality Stadium have seen them come from behind to draw.
The concern here is Manchester United's ability to bounce back. That said, many Bournemouth fans will feel very much aggrieved with the last match-up against them at Vitality Stadium, where Evanilson was yellow-carded.
VAR then over-ruled it to send him off, and subsequently the Red Devils equalised at the death. The pain was only compounded when they took a look at the decision again a few days later and over-turned the red. Two sets of officials watching identical TV replays and coming to different decisions? Baffling.
Michael Carrick's irresistible form
Since Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United in January, the Red Devils have won more Premier League games (7) and more Premier League points (22) than any other side.
They really are on the up at the moment, and despite the loss at St James's Park against Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, Cherries will be all too aware of their new found confidence playing a natural way which suits each players, as opposed to under Amorim, with his constant over-tinkering.
The brilliance of Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has been involved in eight goals in his eight Premier League games against Bournemouth (4 goals, 4 assists), though only two of these (2 goals, 0 assists) have come at the Vitality Stadium. He has also created 6+ chances in each of his last three Premier League games, the first player to do so since Trent Alexander-Arnold in December 2023.
Bruno is a massive concern for AFC Bournemouth, and Cherries' defensive unit will have their work cut out against the Portuguese star. He makes things look effortless at times, and similarly, his brilliance from set-pieces was on show in the reverse fixture with a stunning "top bins" free kick. Iraola will certainly need the likes of James Hill and Marcos Senesi, as well as the double pivot of Alex Scott and Ryan Christie to be crowding him out at every opportunity.
Casemiro thriving under new gaffa
Each of Casemiro’s last five Premier League goals this season has been assisted by Bruno Fernandes. Only Marcus Rashford has been set up by the same player more in a single campaign for Manchester United in the competition (6 by Fernandes in 2022-23).
Again, this is another example where Bruno excels, but it also highlights Casemiro's exemplary performances of late, who now seems to be thriving under a manager that plays to every individuals strengths.
United's Friday night flaw...
Manchester United have won just one of their five away Friday night games in the Premier League (D2 L2), beating Aston Villa 1-0 in August 2015.
For Bournemouth fans, this is the saving grace - the terrible Friday night record. There is usually a special feeling under the lights at Vitality Stadium, and add in to the mix United's horrible Friday stat, perhaps this provides more incentive for Cherries fans to allow themselves a little bit of optimism.