Manchester United host Bournemouth on Monday evening as Ruben Amorim's side aim to climb into the top six of the Premier League
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United applauds fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United play host to Bournemouth on Monday
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Manchester United will look to maintain their Premier League momentum when they welcome Bournemouth on Monday evening. Ruben Amorim's side returned to winning form in their most recent outing against Wolves.
Following a disappointing previous season, Amorim's first full campaign at the helm got off to an underwhelming start. However, those early concerns have now been put to rest, with his squad positioned close to the top of the table.
Victory on Monday night could see United break into the top six, though Andoni Iraola's Cherries, despite sitting in 14th position, will pose a stern test. Amorim may be without several important players for the match, with Harry Maguire definitely ruled out.
The England centre-back picked up a hamstring problem during November's 2-2 stalemate with Tottenham and continues his recovery. During his absence, he has taken the opportunity to praise a previous United manager. The Manchester Evening News has gathered the latest updates from Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire makes manager claim
The injured Maguire has struggled for regular minutes under Amorim this term, with just four Premier League starts to his name. Speaking to discovery+, he suggested that one of his previous managers, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, didn't receive sufficient credit during his spell in charge at United.
"Ole was brilliant, I think Ole was so underappreciated," Maguire said. "He never got the recognition for what he was doing. It felt like, again, it was at Manchester United. If he was doing it at any other club he would have had recognition.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer embraces Harry Maguire of Manchester United
Maguire thinks Solskjaer wasn't appreciated at United
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"It felt like everyone was waiting for the moment to kick him down, and he never allowed it. He was a real good manager. He had real good staff around him with Kieran [McKenna] and [Michael] Carrick, a fantastic man-manager, he knew how to look after his team and his players.
"It felt like he never really got the recognition and it was a shame really. Ultimately that third season we didn't do enough, the balance of the team wasn't what we had the previous two years, but I can't speak highly enough of Ole."
Andoni Iraola picks out pair
Looking ahead to Bournemouth's meeting with United, Cherries manager Iraola has highlighted two potential opponents who could pose significant problems for his side. He said: "Players like Amad, who is now even more important.
"He is an even bigger threat, and we have to be ready to defend difficult duels for the full-backs and for the centre-backs because you have to defend some very good players in open spaces.
Andoni Iraola speaking to the media
Iraola singled out two United stars
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"Mason Mount is a very smart player," he added. "He always takes up good positions. I think he understands and analyses the game really well, to take up spaces on the pitch that he can exploit better.
"Sometimes he plays higher, sometimes lower, sometimes wider, sometimes inside, and obviously, there is a reason he does that. Then he is also a lovely player on the ball if we allow him a lot of time."
Patrick Dorgu risks suspension
Patrick Dorgu has frequently been utilised by Amorim as a left-sided wing-back, but his playing time has diminished in recent matches, with Diogo Dalot being favoured.
The 21-year-old may feature in the upcoming match against Bournemouth, either starting or coming off the bench, but he'll need to avoid receiving a yellow card.
So far this season, Dorgu has been cautioned in Premier League games against Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton and Tottenham. If he receives a fifth yellow card before the 20th game of the season, he will face a one-match suspension.
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Dorgu risks a ban(Image: Getty)
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According to The FA's disciplinary rules, a player who accumulates five yellow cards in the first 19 matches of a season will be suspended for one match. These suspensions do not extend to the EFL Cup or the FA Cup and must be served in the Premier League.
Dorgu isn't the only player at risk of suspension in Monday's match. Midfielder Casemiro is also on thin ice.
Ruben Amorim plays mind games
Amorim is keeping his plans regarding the trio of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui under wraps. The three players are due to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, it remains unclear whether they will depart before or after tonight's match. This uncertainty is likely to persist until closer to kick-off, leaving United's opponents guessing about their availability.