Premier League: Cherries Chase Seaside History as United Eye Europe

Bournemouth vs Manchester United

If Bournemouth are going to compete a Premier League double over the mighty Manchester United for the first time, one suspects they will never have a better chance than this Sunday afternoon. That is because the Cherries are enjoying arguably the best season in their history, while United are assured of finishing in their lowest position with their lowest ever points tally in the Premier League era.

Furthermore, the South coast club have an outside chance of securing European football for the first ever time, while United – fresh from their Mad-chester spectacle in the quarter-final against Lyon – have nothing to play for domestically and will want to keep their threadbare squad fresh ahead of a big European semi-final which looms on the horizon.

 

Talking Points

For United, you can count their Premier League 2025 highlights to date on one hand. Sat in 14^th place in the top-flight, a position no self-respecting SBOTOP pundit would have predicted, they have little but pride to play for, and it seems they will rest key men again just days before a crucial Europa League semi-final against opponents who will have had a week to prepare.

That could mean appearances for the likes of youngsters including Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson, the 20-year-old centre-back who made his debut in the Easter Day defeat at home to Wolves. Both produced mature performances in that contest, while teenage forward Chido Obi-Martin may also be handed some game time.

It’s a far from ideal position to be introducing youngsters into a struggling side but that is the reality.

Another young gun, midfielder Toby Collyer, could also be in contention, while a player at the other end of the age spectrum, Jonny Evans, is fit and available for selection again after recovering from a back injury.

While United are floundering domestically, Bournemouth have largely thrived.

Yet Andoni Iraola’s men do seem to be losing some momentum at a crucial time. They were on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions between November and January and were fifth in the Premier League in February.

But that feels like some time ago. They have only one victory since a 3-1 defeat of now relegated Southampton in mid-February which means they have won once in 90 minutes in their past 10 games. All in all, that means the European dream is fading fast.

Luis Sinisterra is nearing a return from his thigh injury and could be involved, though the Cherries’ other injuries are both longer-term with Ryan Christie and Enes Unal both expected to be out until well into next season.

The onus is all on the home side and they will never have a chance to complete a league double over the mighty, but currently miserable, Manchester United.

 

History

For clubs of very different stature, there should be no surprise that Bournemouth have only tasted victory over United on a handful of occasions. However, those occasions have always been ones to savour for those associated with the south coast club.

The first of five victories came in January 1984 when the then Second Division Cherries knocked holders United out of the FA Cup at the third round stage. Four wins have since followed in the Premier League, including at Old Trafford comprehensively over the past two seasons – both 3-0 successes.

Earlier this season, Dean Huijsen, Justin Kluivert (penalty), and Antoine Semenyo scored the goals, one of a number of low points in the Red Devils’ miserable campaign.

The corresponding fixture last season ended 2-2 when Bruno Fernandes scored twice, once from the penalty spot, to twice haul United back after Dominic Solanke and Kluivert had put the home side in front.

Their very first meeting came in a 1949 FA Cup tie when United romped to a 6-0 third round FA Cup victory against the then Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic.

In a tie played at Maine Road, famous names such as Stan Pearson, Jack Rowley (two), Charlie Mitten, and Ronnie Burke (two) were the scorers.

 

Betting Tip

Have the Premier League 2025 betting odds ever been so attractive for Bournemouth in a fixture of this nature. They can be backed 1X2 @ 1.69 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.20. This contrasts significantly with United who are priced 1X2 @ 4.28 and Asian Handicap +0.50, also @ 2.28.

The draw will pay out @ 3.68, while a re-run of the corresponding meeting last season is on offer with Correct Score 2-2 @ 15.00. I am not going to opt for any of them, as my tip is Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.04.

   

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