Manchester United and Bournemouth played out an incredible 4-4 draw in the Premier League as both teams made stunning comebacks and blew leads on a crazy night at Old Trafford.
Eli Junior Kroupi scored the eighth goal of an extraordinary game in the 84th minute to equalise for Bournemouth after United had scored twice in three minutes as Bruno Fernandes smashed in an unstoppable free-kick and Matheus Cunha put the hosts in front late on.
Bournemouth trailed 2-1 at half-time but Evanilson pounced within a minute of the restart before Marcus Tavernier was fouled by Casemiro on the edge of the box and stepped up to beat Senne Lammens with his free-kick.
After Ruben Amorim deviated from his trusted 3-4-3 for the first time as United manager, the hosts were excellent and well worth their one-goal lead after Amad Diallo and Casemiro scored either side of Antoine Semenyo’s clinical equaliser.
Bournemouth had chances at the death - with Lammens making key saves to earn United a point - and both teams looked gutted as the final whistle blew to end a breathless contest.
Follow live reaction from Manchester United v Bournemouth below:
Manchester United v Bournemouth live: Latest Premier League updates
- FULL TIME! Manchester United and Bournemouth draw 4-4 in game of the season
- 84' GOAL! Incredible. Kroupi levels it again for Bournemouth [MUN 4-4 BOU]
- 79' GOAL! Cunha sends Old Trafford crazy with seventh goal [MUN 4-3 BOU]
- 77' GOAL! Fernandes smashes stunning free-kick to equalise [MUN 3-3 BOU]
- 52' GOAL! Tavernier free-kick stuns Old Trafford as Bournemouth lead [MUN 2-3 BOU]
Man United’s next task is clear as dramatic intervention leads to game of the season
07:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHere’s Richard Jolly’s report from Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s shift in formation brought his team’s best attacking display in months - the problem was at the other end, and that his side still cannot win games
Man United’s next task is clear as dramatic intervention leads to game of the season
Bournemouth take positives from Old Trafford thriller
07:00 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth’s winless run now stands at seven games, but coming on the back of last week’s goalless draw with Chelsea, this was another night to give encouragement to Andoni Iraola.
“Normally when it’s 4-4 they say the managers don’t like these kinds of games because it’s a lot of mistakes but also it’s one point for us,” he said. “Maybe it’s not a lot but we also enjoyed the game because we’ve come from behind…
“It’s for both teams, (because) also they go behind and they’ve reacted. We have gone behind more, but both teams were quite open. We were taking risks from the beginning and leaving space behind. You never expect this type of game but it can happen.
“For us it is not a lot, one point, I feel like from Chelsea and United, two good performances and two points is not a lot but I think we can use a lot of things to try to get the three points in the next one.”
Ruben Amorim rues missed chances after Man Utd’s thrilling draw with Bournemouth
06:00 , Jamie Braidwood“It was a fun game for everyone at home,” Amorim said. “If you look at the game you can think we lost the two points in the second half. I think we lost the two points in the first half. I think we should have more goals, we should have a different result at half-time.
“It was then similar to Nottingham (Forest, a 2-2 draw in November) where we suffered two goals really fast but we managed to get back to take the advantage and then we need to close the game out.”
How the 4-4 played out: Better from Bournemouth
05:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe visitors were comfortably second best in the first half as they were overrun before an excellent chance for Tavernier gave them something to build on. But having deservedly trailed at the break, they began the second half on fire to stun Old Trafford by snatching the lead. Bournemouth travelled north without a win in six games - a run that had seen them go from second place after their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on October 26 to 15th at kick-off, and without a goal in their last two outings. But last week's goalless draw with Chelsea was seen as a confidence-builder and they played the second half like a team convinced they could win. Brooks should have seen them do so but was twice denied by Senne Lammens.
How the 4-4 played out: Familiar defensive woes
03:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe shift at the back was partly enforced. With Noussair Mazraoui already away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire both injured, United had the 20-year-old Leny Yoro and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven in an inexperienced defence. Even at full strength, United have only kept one clean sheet all season - only Wolves have fewer with none - so that was always going to be a worry and it is one that Bournemouth were able to expose once they overcame a slow start. Even so, the manner in which United were twice carved open so easily at the start of the second half was startling, as was their inability to shut down the game, having worked so hard to regain the lead late on.
How the 4-4 played out: United's first-half dominance
01:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIt was more evolution than revolution but there were definitely tweaks to Ruben Amorim's much-discussed system. Though they initially lined up with the usual back three, it became a back four whenever Bournemouth were in possession as Diogo Dalot dropped back.
It certainly worked going forward as United put in one of the better first-half displays of the season - their six shots inside the opening 10 minutes were their most in a Premier League game in more than three years - and they had had 12 attempts at goal before Bournemouth mustered their first in the 29th minute. They would rue their failure to finish off a Cherries side who initially looked unnerved by what they faced.
Mainoo’s brother displays ‘Free Kobbie’ t-shirt at Old Trafford in message to Ruben Amorim
Monday 15 December 2025 23:58 , Jamie BraidwoodKobbie Mainoo’s brother wore a t-shirt displaying the message ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ to Old Trafford during Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in a clear message to head coach Ruben Amorim amid the uncertainty over the player’s future.
Mainoo has struggled for game time under Amorim and has yet to start a match in the Premier League this season after the midfielder’s loan request was rejected in August.
The 20-year-old academy product, who scored the winning goal for United in the 2024 FA Cup final and started for England in the Euro 2024 final, was loudly cheered onto the pitch when he was brought on by Amorim as a second-half substitute on Monday night.
Mainoo’s brother wears ‘Free Kobbie’ t-shirt in message to Ruben Amorim
Man United’s next task is clear as dramatic intervention leads to game of the season
Monday 15 December 2025 23:25 , Richard JollyOn the night Ruben Amorim delivered the surprise of the season by jettisoning his beloved 3-4-3 formation, Manchester United contrived to put part of his new shape in the scoreline. A 4-4 was not a tribute to Amorim’s unexpected switch to 4-4-2 as much as the consequence of an extraordinary evening of frenzied attacking, poor defending and flawed goalkeeping as two sides traded free kicks and comebacks.
Man United’s next task is clear as dramatic intervention leads to game of the season
What is Ruben Amorim’s new Manchester United formation and how did it work?
Monday 15 December 2025 23:07 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim appeared to deviate from his trusted 3-4-3 for the first time as Manchester United manager as he experimented with a new-look system for the Premier League match against Bournemouth.
At first glance, a chaotic 4-4 draw against Andoni Iraola’s side does not suggest that the tweak brought much improvement. But Amorim’s side were far sharper in attack and were a constant danger throughout the game.
Amorim said before kick-off that United will need to “adapt” when Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui depart for the Africa Cup of Nations and notably said that his team “need to learn from some mistakes we did in the past”.
Critics of the Portuguese head coach have said he has stayed too attached to his 3-4-3 system since replacing Erik ten Hag last November. It was the system he used to great success at his previous club Sporting Lisbon but it has been ineffective so far at Old Trafford.
Amorim joked in September that not even the Pope could persuade him to change his formation. "This is my job. This is my responsibility. This is my life. So, I will not change that,” he said.
What is Ruben Amorim’s new Manchester United formation and how did it work?
Andoni Iraola: 'Entertaining, but it's just a point!'
Monday 15 December 2025 22:52 , Jamie BraidwoodFair to stay Andoni Iraola was happier with his side’s attacking than defending during this 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.
"I suppose it was entertaining for everyone. Two teams that attacked much better than we defended. We played quite open, both teams,” he told BBC Sport.
"We struggled in the first 15-20 minutes. We made some adjustments but we were losing 1-0. From there I was quite happy with how the game was.
"The last two were massive chances, great saves from Lammens. We take a point. We can use a lot of good things from today but things to correct."
Ruben Amorim: 'It was fun for the fans - but we should have won'
Monday 15 December 2025 22:39 , Jamie BraidwoodA difficult game for Ruben Amorim to summarise. He tried while speaking to BBC Sport:
"It's really disappointing. We are really disappointed. Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half but I think we lost them in the first half.
"We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.
"In the end we deserved more. It was a fun game for eveyone at home.
"People especially at Old Trafford want to win but they want to be inspired to see a team play good football. We did that well in certain moments.
"It was a good performance but we need to be more clinical because created so many chances.”
What could have been for Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 22:26 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens made five saves tonight, and three of them came after the 95th minute.
Two of them came against David Brooks, who had a header and a left-footed shot from inside the box to win it at the death.
Crazy.
Gary Neville highlights Man United concern despite praising performance
Monday 15 December 2025 22:22 , Jamie Braidwood“Absolute madness,” Gary Neville says on Sky Sports. “End-to-end. Punch for punch, especially the second half. It's a game that you could not call. I'm not sure who's going to be happiest at the end.
“I said partway through that game, I could live with how Manchester United played through that game but you can't get away from it's seven points dropped from their last three games at home.”
Unreal free-kick from Bruno Fernandes!
Monday 15 December 2025 22:19 , Jamie BraidwoodOf the eight goals tonight, this was the pick of the bunch from United captain Bruno Fernandes. It made it 3-3.
How to work that one out
Monday 15 December 2025 22:17 , Jamie BraidwoodBetween them, Manchester United and Bournemouth had 18 shots on target (the most in the Premier League this season) and scored eight goals (with an xG of over 5.0). Brilliant entertainment.
On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher praises United for their “best performance of the season”. It certainly looked that way in spells - and yet they could have lost it 5-4!
Bournemouth make Premier League history... but miss out on more
Monday 15 December 2025 22:14 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth are the first away team in Premier League history to score three or more goals on three consecutive trips to Old Trafford.
And they were almost the first away team in Premier League history to beat United at Old Trafford after being behind at half-time.
How the madness unfolded...
Monday 15 December 2025 22:09 , Jamie Braidwood13’ Amad Diallo heads over the line after bright United start [MUN 1-0 BOU]
40' Antoine Semenyo fires in equaliser after Shaw mistake [MUN 1-1 BOU]
45+4' Casemiro restores lead with header from Fernandes corner [MUN 2-1 BOU]
46' Evanilson fires second equaliser straight from restart [MUN 2-2 BOU]
52' Tavernier free-kick stuns Old Trafford as Bournemouth lead [MUN 2-3 BOU]
77' Fernandes smashes stunning free-kick to equalise [MUN 3-3 BOU]
79' Cunha sends Old Trafford crazy with seventh goal [MUN 4-3 BOU]
84' Incredible. Kroupi levels it again for Bournemouth [MUN 4-4 BOU]
FULL TIME! Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 22:05 , Jamie BraidwoodGame of the season so far? Without a doubt!
But United look devastated to not have won that. Bournemouth are a little happier now as they applaud their fans in the corner.
Eli Junior Kroupi rescued the draw but it could have been more if it wasn’t for Senne Lammens. Full reaction to come.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 22:02 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd breathe! What a game! Stunning drama.
Both teams and sets of players look gutted!
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 22:01 , Jamie Braidwood90+10 mins: ANOTHER CHANCE FOR BOURNEMOUTH! Semenyo picks out Brooks but Lammens saves at the death! United scramble it away!
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 22:01 , Jamie Braidwood90+9 mins; United fans want the cross to go in... Bournemouth clear... Mainoo’s header drifts harmlessly wide...
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:59 , Jamie Braidwood90+7 mins: Senesi strikes a volley towards goal but Lammens has safe hands. That could be it!
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:57 , Jamie Braidwood90+6 mins: A CHANCE! Jiminez produces a stunning ball and it’s there for Brooks to be the match-winner! But the header is straight at Lammens and the goalkeeper flings out a big right boot!
Wow that was close!
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:56 , Jamie Braidwood90+5 mins: Bournemouth are enjoying some late pressure, Semenyo is lining up the long throws. The corner from Brookes is headed away by Mainoo.
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:54 , Jamie Braidwood90+3 mins: Fernandes squares but Mbeumo is not there to provide the touch! Sums up his day. There was a glaring miss earlier - he now heads off to Afcon.
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:53 , Jamie Braidwood90+1 mins: Mainoo slaloms into the box but shots at goal and Petrovic is untroubled. Probably the wrong option. United look a little shell-shocked by that Kroupi equaliser.
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:51 , Jamie Braidwood89 mins: Great news for the neutral! There will be eight minutes of added time.
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:49 , Jamie Braidwood87 mins: That was bad defending from United, without question. But defending has largely gone out of the window in this second half.
Will we get a winner?!
Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth (KROUPI 84')
Monday 15 December 2025 21:46 , Jamie BraidwoodWell there you go. It is 4-4!
Kroupi wanders through into the box and beats Lammens to level it up again!
I cannot believe this. Kroupi flips and celebrates in the corner.
Manchester United 4-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:43 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: We’ve gone 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3-3, 4-3.
What next?
5-3 or 4-4?
Manchester United 4-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:43 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Quite a comeback from Man Utd. Shades of Lyon a few months ago
GOAL! Manchester United 4-3 Bournemouth (CUNHA 79'
Monday 15 December 2025 21:40 , Jamie BraidwoodTHIS GAME! INCREDIBLE!
United fly forward like the Red Arrows. Sesko squares. Bournemouth should clear but it falls to Cunha. The Brazilian slots it in. Old Trafford erupts. Cunha dances in the corner.
GOAL! Manchester United 3-3 Bournemouth (FERNANDES 77')
Monday 15 December 2025 21:38 , Jamie BraidwoodOHHHH HE’S DONE IT! Special from United’s captain! 3-3!
That’s brilliant. From the edge of the box, Fernandes whips his free-kick to the goalkeeper’s side. The ball crashes down off the bar. No chance for Petrovic!
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:37 , Jamie Braidwood75 mins: Cunha blasts a shot straight at Petrovic. He flaps, and it lands at Fernandez on the edge of the box, his touch taking the ball onto Smith’s hand.
Free-kick for United and Fernandes is licking his lips.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:35 , Jamie Braidwood74 mins: Smith manages to dig out an incredible cross from the byline and Shaw does well to win the header ahead of Semenyo.
Bournemouth could make some Premier League history here: no away team has ever trailed at Old Trafford at half-time and gone on to win.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:32 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: CHANCE! The ball breaks to Mbeumo at the back post after Cunha’s volley crashes into Scott.
Somehow, Mbeumo lifts it over the bar. The ball had struck Scott’s upper arm as he turned but that was not a penalty.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:31 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: The United back four (and it is a four) is now: Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw.
Trad.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:30 , Jamie Braidwood69 mins: The United changes are coming: Lisandro Martinez replaces Yoro and Benjamin Sesko makes his return for Mount. How United could do with a goal now.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:29 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: Cunha skips past Tavernier but the cross is sliced and causes Petrovic some panic. He helps it behind.
Petrovic is relieved, again, as the corner from Fernandes falls at his feet. The goalkeeper flapped but it broke for Bournemouth.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:26 , Jamie Braidwood63 mins: United are having more of the ball now. The home fans rise to try and rouse a response. Mount’s cross is rushed away by Senesi.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:22 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: Listen to this. Cheers ring around Old Trafford as Kobbie Mainoo replaces Casemiro.
“Huge cheers greet Kobbie Mainoo,” writes Richard Jolly. “The Old Trafford public presumably think he has been underused by Amorim. They are not alone in feeling that.”
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:20 , Jamie Braidwood57 mins: United were rightly getting a lot of praise at half-time. They were a constant threat in the first half.
But what a response this has been from Bournemouth. A team who are winless in six and started today in 15th.
They are the first team in the Premier League to score three goals in three consecutive games at Old Trafford.
Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:17 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: It’s poor from Lammens too.
Why is he standing in the middle of the goal?
GOAL! Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth (TAVERNIER 52')
Monday 15 December 2025 21:16 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Bournemouth have scored three goals at Old Trafford for the third consecutive season
GOAL! Manchester United 2-3 Bournemouth (TAVERNIER 52')
Monday 15 December 2025 21:13 , Jamie BraidwoodWOOOOOW! What a free-kick from Tavernier!
BOURNEMOUTH LEAD!
It’s wonderful from Tavernier. He won the free-kick and there was no doubt he was going to take it. With his excellent left foot, he goes low and beats Lammens on his side, finding the gap in the wall!
Manchester United 2-2 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:12 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: There are groans as Fernandes gives the ball away in midfield and Tavernier takes off towards the opposite box. Casemiro takes the booking with the most Casemiro yellow card of all time, bringing Tavernier down on the edge of the box. Good position.
Manchester United 2-2 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:10 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Amorim's back four has not brought a great deal of solidity. That may be a failing of personnel, in part, with Ayden Heaven playing Evanilson onside there.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-2 Bournemouth (EVANILSON 46')
Monday 15 December 2025 21:08 , Jamie BraidwoodWOW! Most United fans are still making their way to their seats but Evanilson has fired the equaliser!
United have felt fragile at the back and they are cut open immediately. Dalot stayed down holding his face but Bournemouth are clinical. The ball is fed through to Evanlison and the striker’s instincts are there. Touch. Shot. In off the post and Lammens beaten.
Game on!
Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 21:07 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’re back underway at Old Trafford. That was very good from United and, as it stands, they are heading up to fifth.
But can they continue it?
How did United's new formation look?
Monday 15 December 2025 21:00 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United had 17 shots in the first half, the most of any side in the Premier League so far this season, as well as an xG of 2.62.
Overall, there appeared to be more danger and threat to United’s play. And although Bournemouth enjoyed a decent spell late in the first half, where Antoine Semenyo equaliser, there was better balance in Amorim’s team too.
The hosts were able to sustain attacks and looked rampant at times. In the new-look attack, Amad, Mbeumo, Cunha, Fernandes and Mount dovetailed and linked up wonderfully.
Amad scored the opener and his advanced position allowed him to get on the end of Dalot’s cross after Cunha missed the first contact.
The second goal came from a set-piece, with Casemiro’s header, but you can’t say United didn’t deserve to be ahead.
Man Utd's formation: What was different against Bournemouth?
Monday 15 December 2025 20:56 , Jamie BraidwoodOn paper, not much. When the team sheets dropped it looked as if Amorim had named a back three of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw, with Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot as the usual wing-backs.
But when the match kicked off, United’s style appeared to be different on the ball. Yoro played as a more traditional right back, Shaw tucked in to join Heaven and Dalot was positioned on the left, often in line with the back-three.
Amad was allowed to push further forward and join Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes in supporting Bryan Mbeumo. Casemiro was notably the sitting midfielder.
It created something of a 4-1-3-2 formation with Mbeumo and Cunha as the strikers, Amad on the right, Mount on the left and Fernandes at No 10.
HALF TIME! Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:52 , Jamie BraidwoodTwo goals late on but United lead, and deservedly so.
17 shots in the first half from Ruben Amorim’s side.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth (CASEMIRO 45+4'
Monday 15 December 2025 20:52 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
A seventh assist of the Premier League season for Bruno Fernandes, now out on his own in the lead.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Bournemouth (CASEMIRO 45+4'
Monday 15 December 2025 20:49 , Jamie BraidwoodHe won’t be denied this time! Casemiro is in loads of space at the back post from the Fernandes corner, with United creating space for him. The Brazilian heads down into the turf and it somehow beats the goalkeeper Petrovic, who has to do so much better. The goalkeeper slams his post in frustration.
Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:49 , Jamie Braidwood45+2 mins: A chance in stoppage time. Fernandes picks out Casemiro from a wide free kick but Senesi manages to get the player and the ball to make the block.
Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:45 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: It wasn’t nice from Dalot, who bumped Semenyo when he was jumping for the ball. Semenyo grabbed Dalot’s neck but only briefly and did not go for the face.
VAR says a yellow for each is sufficient.
Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:43 , Jamie Braidwood43 mins: Oh dear. This maybe isn’t clever from Semenyo, who has raised his hands towards Dalot. The VAR is looking. But players get a booking for now.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth (SEMENYO 40')
Monday 15 December 2025 20:42 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Fine management by Iraola. United had Leny Yoro on Semenyo, so Iraola swapped him to the other flank, and now the winger has equalised.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Bournemouth (SEMENYO 40')
Monday 15 December 2025 20:40 , Jamie BraidwoodFrom nowhere! Bournemouth are level and Semenyo strikes! That’s a special finish from the forward, who scores at Old Trafford for the second season in a row.
It came from an error from Luke Shaw, who has barged off the ball. United were opened up with Semenyo played into the box. The finish was quality, in off the post.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:40 , Jamie Braidwood36 mins: Stunning cross from Cunha! Be bends it into the box looking for Mbeumo, who volleys over. That would have been special.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:35 , Jamie Braidwood33 mins: CLOSE! Excellent from Amad, who has lit up this first half! How United will miss him after tonight when he heads to Afcon. The winger starts the run in his own half and works his magic to get between two players and into the box. Smith dives in early and actually does brilliantly to make the block.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:30 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: CHANCE! Oh that should be 1-1! Kluivert swings in a a wonderful cross to the back post and picks out Tavernier, who times his run. The midfielder makes a solid connection on the header but it’s straight at Lammens, who was covering the back post. United scramble it away but Tavernier does not know how he didn’t score.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:26 , Jamie Braidwood25 mins: Bournemouth can’t get out. Mount wins another loose ball and United go again but Amad’s shot is blocked. Dalot then tees up Mbeumo, but Petrovic saves comfortably.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Quite a bright start from United. Almost as though playing with a back four suits them more than a three
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:23 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: Lovely play from United on the edge of the Bournemouth box. Mbeumo, Cunha, Mount, Fernandes and Amad are all linking up wonderfully.
Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:20 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: It’s been a good start from United. Eight attempts already!
Make that nine as Cunha curls wide from the edge of the box.
There’s a swagger about United. Anyway, here’s the goal.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth (AMAD 13')
Monday 15 December 2025 20:16 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
Amad might not have been in the position to score from a yard if he was playing as a wing-back in a 3-4-3...
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Bournemouth (AMAD 13')
Monday 15 December 2025 20:13 , Jamie BraidwoodA parting gift from Amad! Dalot’s cross is a delight. Cunha can’t get a touch and it catches out Petrovic. The ball bounces up to Amad and he has the simples of tasks to nod the ball over the line from a yard out.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:13 , Jamie Braidwood11 mins: Semenyo gets a couple of opportunities to wind up his long throw and launch it into the box. United deal with it well enough.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:10 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: United have Bournemouth pinned in here. Cunha sets up Casemiro in the box and Petrovic saves again down low before Bournemouth hack clear.
Bournemouth counter well and rips through United but Shaw reads the danger and cuts out the cross from Truffert.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:09 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: SAVE! Mbeumo gets around the outside of Shaw and pulls a cross back, finding the arriving Mount. He drills the volley low and Petrovic blocks!
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:08 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: Amad is looking bright! Mount switches play and the winger jinks his way past Truffert before Senesi wins the challenge in the box. Bournemouth clear the corner.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:07 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: Let’s put it one way, this United defence looks pretty fluid. Can it be somewhere between a three and a four? At times, Yoro looks like a traditional right back with Amad ahead of him.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:05 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: Bournemouth are forced into an early change. Tyler Adams, who has high hopes of playing for the United States at the World Cup, has twisted something and is hobbling off. Alex Scott is stripped and ready.
Diallo’s corner flashes all the way through.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:03 , Jamie BraidwoodRichard Jolly at Old Trafford
We may be witnessing a bit of Amorim history here. He appears to be playing a back four. Although, admittedly, there are moments when it still looks like 3-4-3.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:03 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Chance! United burst forward but Amad’s ball to Mbeumo is slightly overhit. Mbeumo flicks back to Fernandes and his strike is blocked by Truffert. Cunha’s shot deflects over.
Excellent from Fernandes to spark the break.
Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:02 , Jamie Braidwood1 mins: I think this might be a back-four from United you know... Diallo is quite further forward than Dalot, and Shaw is playing tight inside.
KICK OFF! Manchester United 0-0 Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 20:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd we’re underway. Bournemouth get us going!
Manchester United v Bournemouth: Reminder of team news and how to watch
Monday 15 December 2025 19:56 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Stretford End flags are flying and the players are in the tunnel.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha.
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Tavernier; Jimenez, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League,
Can Bournemouth extend remarkable Old Trafford record?
Monday 15 December 2025 19:51 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth have won their last two visits to Old Trafford, with Antoine Semenyo among the scorers in their second consecutive 3-0 win last December.
Only two Premier League teams have won three aways games in a row at Old Trafford. They are Manchester City and Brighton, whose winning run was snapped in a 4-2 defeat this season.
Can Bruno Fernandes continues good form?
Monday 15 December 2025 19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodBruno Fernandes produced another masterclass at Wolves last week, with a goal and an assist from the Manchester United captain.
The Portuguese is in excellent form and has been involved in eight goals in his last eight Premier League games, scoring two and assisting six.
Amorim on United's defensive issues
Monday 15 December 2025 19:29 , Jamie BraidwoodAmorim, speaking to Sky Sports: "We are not defending our box well, we have to be better across the 90 minutes. We have moments, but we are inconsistent across a game.
"We need to be a more mature team, because we have had some games where we have had an advantage in the scoreline and then slipped and cost us a lot of points.
"It could be a different story if we were better in that respect."
Are Manchester United in good form?
Monday 15 December 2025 19:21 , Jamie BraidwoodA tough question. Win tonight and Manchester United will crack the top-five. They cruised to victory at Wolves last Monday and although their defeat to 10-man Everton has still left a sour taste, it is the only defeat they’ve had in their last nine games.
Clean sheets are a concern. There’s only been one in 15 matches in the Premier League this season. And a new-look back three, with Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw playing together for the first time, hardly inspires much confidence.
Ruben Amorim hints at formation change over the next few weeks
Monday 15 December 2025 19:07 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim’s line-up suggests Manchester United will be playing 3-4-3 tonight, unless Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are centre-back partners and Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw complete the back four as full-backs.
But Amorim has suggested United will “need to adapt” once Bryan Mbeumo and Diallo leave for Afcon, and didn’t rule out a formation change over the next few weeks while speaking to Sky Sports.
He said: “It's always the same thing. The formation is not the most important thing, it's the way you set up the team and try to take advantage of your opponent.
"We have to think about the future, and we need to have more variability in our game. We're going to lose two wingers, so we need to adapt to the players we have.
“We need to learn from some mistakes we did in the past, so we will try just to improve the team.”
Bournemouth team news: One change as Adams returns
Monday 15 December 2025 19:01 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth also make one change. Tyler Adams is back after suspension, which means there’s no place for Alex Scott.
There are a lot of goals in Andoni Iraola’s attack, with Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo both selected behind Evanilson.
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Tavernier; Jimenez, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Manchester United team news: Amorim makes one change
Monday 15 December 2025 18:53 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s just one change for United with Leny Yoro replacing Noussair Mazrouai in a new-look back-three.
Benjamin Sesko is on the bench while Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha support Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo start for Manchester United
Monday 15 December 2025 18:49 , Richard JollyManchester United have kept two-thirds of their African contingent and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo both start, while Noussair Mazrouai has left for Afcon.
Bournemouth still have Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, largely because Ghana didn't qualify for Afcon.
Manchester United v Bournemouth team news and line-ups
Monday 15 December 2025 18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Tavernier; Jimenez, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
U N I T E D 😤🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/kQco5xm8As
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2025
In the blue corner at Old Trafford 💙 pic.twitter.com/xmw00CgMeB
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 15, 2025
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo arrive at Old Trafford
Monday 15 December 2025 18:36 , Jamie BraidwoodBryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are both with the Manchester United squad are are available for selection before they depart for Afcon.
But there is no Noussair Mazraoui, who has left to join up with Afcon hosts Morocco. Full team news coming up in the 10 minutes.
Benjamin Sesko has also arrived at Chelsea as the striker recovers from illness.
Is Ruben Amorim about to move away from 3-4-3?
Monday 15 December 2025 18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodThere has been some suggestion that Ruben Amorim is considering freshening up his tactical system over the next few weeks and while key players will be at the Africa Cup of Nations.
United will be without Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo after tonight’s match with Bournemouth and the Athletic reported earlier today that Amorim has warned his players to expect something different.
The Portuguese has infamously been committed to his 3-4-3 system since arriving at Old Trafford and has refused to move away from it. Even two weeks ago, when United trailed 10-man Everton, Amorim refused to budge from 3-4-3.
We’ll see if Amorim has any different up his sleeve when team news is confirmed in the next 15 minutes or so.
Ruben Amorim responds to Paul Scholes criticism
Monday 15 December 2025 18:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim responded to criticism from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who said he is not the “right man” to manage the Old Trafford club.
And he said the former players and pundits are right to criticise the club given their recent results, but lack the “information” to see what is really happening.
"I think it's normal," Amorim said. “I think it's a fact that me as a manager of Manchester United, I think we are underachieving.
"We should have more points, especially this season, so I take that naturally.
"Sometimes they don't have all the information and they see Manchester United with the standards that they lived here, always winning, so it's hard for them to see their club in this situation.”
Ruben Amorim on Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United future
Monday 15 December 2025 18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThe future of Kobbie Mainoo was again a key subject at Ruben Amorim’s press conference on Friday and he was asked whether he would allow the midfielder to leave on loan in January if he asks for more game time.
Mainoo has struggled for game time this season and the academy graduate was cheered onto the pitch by the away fans after coming on a late substitute in United’s 4-1 win at Wolves last weekend.
"First of all, I say the same thing: the team comes first,” Amorim said.
"If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I'm not going to say what I'm going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that.
"I just want my players happy, and I understand that every individual has their goals. The frustration doesn't help anybody but, again, the focus is in this game and we will see if that happens."
Andoni Iraola on Bournemouth's Old Trafford record
Monday 15 December 2025 17:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAndoni Iraola loves playing at Old Trafford but is not reading much into Bournemouth's 3-0 wins on their previous two trips to Manchester United.
Bournemouth secured their first-ever victory at Old Trafford in December 2023 and followed that 3-0 triumph with a win by the same scoreline a year later.
Iraola oversaw both wins and said: "I love to play at Old Trafford, to coach in this case (at) what I think is one of the best stadiums in the world.
"The problem is you face normally a top team when you play there and very good players. But I think the atmosphere there is really nice and I'm sure my players will appreciate it.
"But they will have to know that in those stadiums you have to be at a certain level that is very high and I hope we are.
"We have good precedents but also I think we are playing this season against a team that is in a really good run."
What's going on at Bournemouth?
Monday 15 December 2025 17:25 , Jamie BraidwoodBournemouth are winless in six Premier league matches, having slipped to 15th in the table after picking up just two points in that spell.
The last time they endured such a winless run was in the 2023-24 campaign and it comes after Andoni Iraola’s side had much such a promising start.
Bournemouth’s run includes blowing a two-goal lead against Sunderland, losing 4-0 to third-place Aston Villa and drawing 0-0 with fourth-place Chelsea last weekend.
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set to be available
Monday 15 December 2025 17:10 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United are set to have both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo available in a boost to Ruben Amorim.
Mbeumo will be involved when Cameroon play their opening Africa Cup of Nations game against Gabon on December 24, the same day Diallo could face Mozambique with the Ivory Coast.
Monday is the day for Premier League teams to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations and Ruben Amorim said on Friday that United were still in talks with the respective countries.
What is the team news?
Monday 15 December 2025 17:05 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim appeared uncertain on Friday how much longer he would have Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo available, but the trio appear set to feature before departing to the Africa Cup of Nations. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain absent while Benjamin Sesko has been dealing with illness.
Marcos Senesi could be fit to feature for Bournemouth after suffering cramps during the draw with Chelsea. Lewis Cook is still suspended.
Kick-off time and how to watch Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Monday 15 December 2025 17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Manchester United vs Bournemouth?
Manchester United vs Bournemouth is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Monday 15 December at Old Trafford in Manchester.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. A live stream will be available via Sky Go.
Good evening
Monday 15 December 2025 17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United host Bournemouth in the Premier League looking to build momentum ahead of a busy period of festive fixtures.
Ruben Amorim’s side produced an impressive second-half performance to blow away Wolves last week and will hope to finish a tough year strongly to keep up their push for the European places.
It is a tricky trip to Aston Villa up next, though, and this could prove a difficult evening, too, despite Bournemouth’s recent struggles.
Andoni Iraola has overseen a run of six games without a win but the south-coast club have won 3-0 on their last two visits to Old Trafford.
