According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday, October 23, 2026, Manchester United are getting ready to welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Sunday for their next English Premier League encounter. Manager Michael Carrick will be eager to guide his side to a much-needed victory as pressure continues to mount following their recent disappointing results. The Red Devils will be hoping to deliver a stronger performance in front of their home supporters, and Carrick could make important decisions regarding his starting lineup to improve the team's chances of collecting maximum points.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui

Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans

Attacking Midfielders: Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount

Striker: Bryan Mbeumo

Senne Lammens is expected to retain his position between the posts as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper. The Belgian shot-stopper will be hoping to deliver another reliable performance and provide confidence to the defenders ahead of him. In the backline, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui could occupy the full-back positions, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are likely to form the central defensive partnership.

United's defence must remain compact and alert throughout the encounter, particularly when Bournemouth attempt to exploit spaces behind the full-backs. Any mistakes at the back could give the visitors opportunities to threaten Lammens' goal, making concentration and effective communication essential.

In midfield, Andrey Santos could partner Youri Tielemans in a double-pivot role. The two players would be responsible for protecting the defence, recovering possession and helping the team move the ball forward. Their performances could have a significant impact on United's ability to dictate the tempo of the match. They will also need to prevent Bournemouth from gaining control of the middle of the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes could operate in the number 10 position, where his creativity, vision and ability to deliver decisive passes would be important to United's attacking efforts. Matheus Cunha could start on the left wing, using his close control, pace and dribbling skills to create problems for Bournemouth's defenders. Mason Mount, meanwhile, could feature on the opposite flank, offering intelligent movement and helping the team create opportunities around the penalty area.

Bryan Mbeumo is tipped to lead the attack as the lone striker. The Cameroon international possesses the movement and finishing ability needed to trouble opposing defenders, and United will hope he can make the most of the chances created by Fernandes, Cunha and Mount. His effectiveness in front of goal could be a major factor in determining the outcome of the contest.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth are expected to provide a serious challenge, meaning Manchester United cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. The home side must combine defensive discipline with creativity and clinical finishing if they want to secure a positive result.

For Carrick, Sunday's fixture represents an opportunity to improve the team's performances and restore confidence among the players and supporters. A balanced midfield, a well-organised defence and an effective attacking approach could help Manchester United secure three valuable Premier League points at Old Trafford.