With a win under their belts, United travel to Bournemouth in hope of causing what some may consider an upset.
Rising managerial star Eddie Howe has performed miracles with his players this season, while José Mourinho is only now starting to figure things out – with encouraging displays (particularly from players he has previously publicly criticised.)
Two sides sitting in surprising places in the Premier League table meet on the South coast in the early match this weekend.
Kick-off: 12:30 [GMT]
Venue: The Vitality Stadium
Referee: Paul Tierney
The Cherries
Form: WWDWW
Position: 6th
Top scorer: Callum Wilson [5]
Most assists: Ryan Fraser [5]
One to watch: Nathan Aké
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Joshua King – ankle (day to day)
Expected lineup
(3-4-2-1) Begović; Francis, Cook, Aké; Smith, Lerma, Cook, Daniels; Brooks,Fraser; Wilson.
Key quote
“It’s early in the season, and Manchester United have shown that they’ve improved in recent games. They come here in good form, but it’s a game we’re looking forward to.” – Eddie Howe
Next match: Newcastle United [A] 10/11/18
The Red Devils
Talking points
A recent resurgence means things are looking better for United, but with three away fixtures including crucial trips to Turin and to the other side of the city prior to the international break, this eight-day stretch feels like crunch time in terms of the season so far.
Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sánchez are expected to return to the squad following a spell injured.
Victor Lindelöf has been magnificent as of late but Anthony Martial fended off the aforementioned defender and compatriot Paul Pogba for Player of the Month this past week – as voted for by fans.
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Diogo Dalot – knock (unknown)
- Marouane Fellaini – ankle (back in training)
- Scott McTominay – knee (day to day)
- Antonio Valencia – mouth (back in training)
Expected lineup
(4-2-3-1) De Gea; Young, Smalling, Lindelöf, Shaw; Matić, Pogba, Lingard, Mata, Martial; Lukaku
Key quote
“We have to get the points we need to try to be in a better position by the end of December, where I expect us to be.” – José Mourinho
Next match: Juventus [A] 7/11/18
Possible key battles
– Wilson vs Smalling
– Fraser vs Young
– Francis vs Martial
Match facts
- Bournemouth are winless in their last five meetings with visitors United – however, this fixture was the last encounter at The Vitality Stadium that the hosts lost (back in April)
- United have claimed victory in just two of their last seven away games (D2 L3)
- The Cherries have kept three consecutive domestic clean sheets and have never achieved four on the spin in the top-flight
- The Red Devils conceded just four goals in their first 10 league outings last season but have already leaked 17
Enjoy the match!