According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday, October 23, 2026, Manchester United have been handed a potential setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, with the visitors confirming that striker Eli Junior Kroupi is close to returning from injury.

The French forward has been out of action since fracturing a metatarsal during pre-season training. The injury required surgery and forced him to miss the opening stages of the campaign.

However, Bournemouth manager Marco Rose has confirmed that Kroupi will travel with the squad to Old Trafford on Sunday and could feature against Michael Carrick’s struggling Manchester United side.

“The plan is to take him with us to Manchester and give him some minutes,” Rose said.

Kroupi’s return would provide Bournemouth with a significant boost after the club spent several weeks without one of their key attacking options.

The striker scored 13 league goals last season and attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, before his injury interrupted his progress.

His potential involvement against United would give Rose another attacking option as Bournemouth look to maintain their impressive form.

The Cherries have won their last three matches and will head to Old Trafford with confidence, hoping to capitalise on Manchester United’s recent struggles.

Meanwhile, Carrick is facing growing pressure following United’s disappointing performances in recent weeks. Wednesday’s heavy Champions League defeat to Como extended the club’s winless run to seven matches, increasing uncertainty surrounding the manager’s future.

Carrick is expected to remain in charge for the Bournemouth encounter, although another disappointing result could intensify speculation about his position at Old Trafford.

Despite United’s difficulties, Rose has warned his players to prepare for a dangerous opponent determined to respond to the criticism surrounding the club.

The Bournemouth manager acknowledged the attention on United but insisted that his team must remain focused on its own performance.

“It should not affect us and our work,” Rose said. “I hear the voices and the noise around the club, but I don't know if it helps us because everyone in Manchester seems to know now what to do and how to do it.”

Rose expects United to approach the match with anger and intensity, warning that Bournemouth must be ready for a difficult contest.

“It's up to us to go there, be focused, bring our football onto the pitch and react well to situations,” he added. “I think they're going to be angry, they're going to be intense. We have to face it, make an open game of it and, at the end, we want to win it.”

With Kroupi potentially returning and Bournemouth riding a three-match winning streak, the visitors will be hoping to extend their positive run against a Manchester United side desperate to bounce back.

However, the forward’s exact role remains uncertain, as Rose has suggested that he could receive some playing time without confirming whether he will start.