As the 2025-26 Premier League’s festive fixture list unfolds amid a grueling schedule, Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth delivers a crucial mid-table showdown on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils seek to halt a three-game winless run against a resurgent Cherries side.
United, languishing in 8th with 23 points from 16 games (6 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), desperately need points after a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with Ruben Amorim confirming Matthijs de Ligt’s ongoing absence due to injury.
Bournemouth, climbing to 10th with 22 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses), arrive buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, though Andoni Iraola laments Ryan Christie’s muscle tear sidelining him until January.
United are unbeaten in their last five home games against Bournemouth, and the Cherries are chasing European dreams. This Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth clash promises end-to-end action and potential statement wins under the Manchester lights.
Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth – Date, Time, Predictions, and More.
United arrive off a strong run of results and will want to use home advantage to keep pressure on the clubs above them. Bournemouth are struggling for consistency on the road but remain dangerous on the break under Andoni Iraola.
| Match | Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth — Premier League |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, December 15, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT (UK), (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT) |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Competition | Premier League 2025–26 (Matchweek 16) |
Team News and Analysis
Manchester United is addressing late availability questions for a small group of players (staff and press updates indicate that some rotation may be needed due to recent cup fixtures and minor knocks). Confirmed fitness updates are typically released near kickoff.
Bournemouth travel with a largely settled squad under Andoni Iraola; key attacking names (who feature regularly for the club) are expected to be available. Check the clubs’ official updates on matchday for any late changes.
Analysis: Manchester United should control large parts of the game through midfield and superior squad depth. Bournemouth will try to stay compact and hit on the break — that style has troubled bigger teams before, but United’s home advantage and recent form make them favorites.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester United lead the head-to-head with 14 wins from 24 matches against Bournemouth’s 5, along with 5 draws. They’ve taken 4 of the last 6 encounters, including a 3-0 home victory in 2024. Games average 3.0 goals, with over 2.5 goals in 55% of matches, and an even higher 3.5 per game at Old Trafford.
Recent meetings between these sides have been competitive — Manchester United and Bournemouth have traded results in the Premier League era, with United generally holding the edge historically.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2024 | Premier League | Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth | 3-0 |
| Dec 3, 2023 | Premier League | Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United | 0-1 |
| Mar 19, 2023 | Premier League | Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth | 1-0 |
| Sep 4, 2022 | Premier League | Bournemouth 0-3 Manchester United | 0-3 |
| Feb 4, 2021 | Premier League | Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth | 3-0 |
Current Form (last 5 matches)
- Manchester United: United are on a strong run, securing a series of positive results and appearing more stable under Ruben Amorim, with key wins and a noticeable boost in defensive organization.
- AFC Bournemouth: Bournemouth’s away form has been inconsistent in recent weeks, but they remain a threat with their quick transitions and creative attacking midfielders. The squad boasts several dangerous forwards and inventive playmakers who can cause problems for any defense.
Predicted XI Lineups
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Yoro, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.
AFC Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi (if fit), Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson.
Lineups per Amorim and Iraola’s Sunday briefings: United Mazraoui right wing-back; Bournemouth Kluivert central sans Christie. Subs: Garnacho (United), Sinisterra (Bournemouth).
Key Players to Watch
- Manchester United
- Bruno Fernandes: The creative hub who often makes the difference in tight games with late runs, set-piece influence and key passes.
- Marcus Rashford: Speed on the break and finishing ability make him United’s primary outlet in transition.
- AFC Bournemouth
- Antoine Semenyo: A rapid, direct attacker who can punish space behind defenders and create chances from wide areas.
- Justin Kluivert / Marcus Tavernier: Creative options who can unlock defenses with movement and passing.
Match Prediction – Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United’s home pedigree and Fernandes’ guile overpower Bournemouth’s pluck in a Premier League thriller, clinching a narrow win via second-half dominance and set-piece prowess. Cherries counter fiercely but yield late.
- Predicted score: Manchester United 2-1 AFC Bournemouth. United to win (+150) value, BTTS yes (-110).
Where to Watch Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth
Stream Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth live with these Premier League options, tailored for global fans:
- USA: Peacock Premium ($5.99/month) and NBC; FuboTV (7-day trial, $79.99/month). Starts 3:00 PM ET.
- Canada: DAZN Canada ($29.99/month) exclusive. 3:00 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Optus Sport ($24.99/month, 30-day trial). Begins 2:00 AM AEDT (Dec 16).
- Europe: Sky Sports Main Event (UK, £14.99 add-on); TNT Sports (Spain/Italy); beIN Sports (France). EU-wide: DAZN (Germany).
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