Back
According to a report by the Evening Standard on Friday, October 23, 2026, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick could make several changes to his starting line-up for Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
United will be hoping to improve their results after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League during the week. The loss extended their winless run to seven matches across all competitions, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of the weekend fixture.
Leny Yoro is available again after serving a suspension in European competition and could return to the starting line-up. The French defender may partner Harry Maguire in central defence, potentially replacing Matthijs de Ligt, who made his first start in nearly a year against Como.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to occupy the full-back positions, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens could retain his place between the posts.
In midfield, Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans feature in the predicted line-up as United look to improve their control and stability against Bournemouth. Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely to feature, as he is reportedly about a week away from recovering from the knock that has kept him out since the 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
Bruno Fernandes could return to his preferred attacking midfield role after playing as a false nine in recent matches against Leeds United and Como. The United captain is expected to provide creativity behind the forwards, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo potentially starting on the wings.
Joshua Zirkzee is also in contention to lead the attack after scoring United’s consolation goal as a substitute against Como. The Dutch forward could replace Matheus Cunha, who was taken off at half-time following an ineffective first-half performance.
United have additional fitness concerns ahead of the encounter. Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford and Ayden Heaven missed the Como match, leaving their availability for Sunday uncertain. Carrick is expected to provide further updates during his pre-match press conference.
Luke Shaw, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also among the players listed as injured.
With several players unavailable or doubtful, Carrick faces important selection decisions as United attempt to return to winning ways against Bournemouth.
Manchester United’s possible starting XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Baleba, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad; Zirkzee.