Manchester United will be wary of the threat posed by Bournemouth’s Brazilian winger Rayan on Friday night.
With Manchester United on an impressive run, winning 3-1 against Aston Villa last time out, Michael Carrick will be looking to gain more momentum with a victory over Bournemouth.
Bournemouth are in good form after going the last 10 matches unbeaten and drawing their last four matches. There’s a reason Andoni Iraola was previously linked with the United job, but they will be without star midfielder Tyler Adams for the match.
Iraola has multiple players who can threaten United at their best, which is why the Red Devils will need to be at their best defensively.
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Rayan joins Man Utd duo in Brazil squad
Bournemouth lost talisman Antoine Semenyo to Man City in the January transfer window.
The Cherries should be credited for quickly finding a replacement.
Rayan arrived in a £24.7 million deal from Vasco da Gama as Bournemouth fought off interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Russia to sign the 19-year-old Brazilian.
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That makes Rayan the second biggest transfer in Bournemouth’s history – after Evanilson’s £32m swoop from FC Porto in 2024.
Rayan has scored two goals since joining Bournemouth and his speed and trickery will pose a threat to United on Friday night.
Carrick and his coaching staff would be wise to warn United’s defenders about Rayan’s ability to get in behind and score goals. He doesn’t need an invitation.
After an impressive start to life in the Premier League, Rayan has been called up to the Brazil national team for the upcoming round of internationals. It’s his first senior call-up on the international stage.
Rayan joins United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in the Brazil squad.
The 19-year-old has a short period of time to impress Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Rayan record against Premier League top four before first Man Utd clash
Since moving to the Premier League in January, Rayan has faced one team sitting in the current top four.
The two teams drew 1-1 at the beginning of February, with Rayan scoring the equaliser for Bournemouth.
On Friday, he will face United for the first time in his career.
It will be an opportunity to impress one of the big clubs after securing a dream move to the Premier League.
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