Bournemouth VS Manchester United Match Prediction

There have only been 10 competitive games between these clubs in history, as they have rarely played in the same division, but the last meeting was very recent as it was the final fixture of last season, with that game postponed as a result of a bomb scare at Old Trafford.

United won 3-1 on that occasion but they suffered a shock loss when they visited Dean Court earlier in the season, with Bournemouth recording a 2-1 victory the club's fans will remember for ever, Junior Stanislas and Joshua King the scorers for the Cherries.

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Bournemouth v Manchester United: Prediction

Manchester United's odds for the title have been cut after they completed the signing of Pogba earlier in the week, but a trip to Bournemouth is not the easiest game to start the new season.

Mourinho will have to be careful not to underestimate Howe's men in what is by far the smallest stadium in the Premier League, with another shock result in favour of the hosts quite possible. 

However, United's strong squad should see them have enough to claim all three points here.

Bournemouth v Manchester United: Betting Tips

The hosts can be backed at 9/2 for this game, which is tempting as they beat United at home last season, but the draw's price of 5/2 may be a more realistic option. United are heavy favourites to get their campaign off to a winning start despite being away from home, offered at odds of 5/6.

Given both teams are strong in attack, over 2.5 goals at 23/20 and both teams to score - available to back at evens - both stand out as very solid bets for this match.

Bournemouth have invested heavily in new players in a bid to avoid the dreaded second-season syndrome, with big fees paid out to buy young English midfielders Lewis Cook and Jordon Ibe from Leeds United and Liverpool respectively. Nathan Ake has also arrived on loan from Chelsea and is expected to line up as part of a midfield three with Andrew Surman and Harry Arter.

Eddie Howe's front three is likely to be made up of a trio of pace merchants - Callum Wilson, Max Gradel and Ibe - so they will certainly be a threat on the counter-attack this season.

Bournemouth likely XI:

Boruc, Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Ake, Surman, Arter, Ibe, Wilson, Gradel.

Jose Mourinho is likely to name a similar team to the XI that beat Leicester City 2-1 at Wembley in the Community Shield last weekend, although the arrival of Paul Pogba for a world-record transfer fee could see at least once change, with Marouane Fellaini possibly dropping out.

Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are expected to make their league debuts, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan having to be content with a place on the bench and club captain Wayne Rooney lining up in the number 10 role. Jesse Lingard's winner at Wembley should see him keep his place.

Manchester United likely XI:

De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, Pogba, Lingard, Rooney, Martial, Ibrahimovic.

United are many pundits favourites for the Premier League title and they will want to kick off the new campaign on a high here, although Bournemouth will be determined to spoil Paul Pogba\'s welcome party. The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make the difference for United in tricky games such as this one and Mourinho\'s men should claim a narrow victory.

Bournemouth have failed to win any of their last five matches in the Premier League.