Paul Merson has insisted that Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha will play key roles from the beginning of the Bournemouth match compared with another Manchester United player under Michael Carrick.
Bruno Fernandes blew Manchester United fans away on the Red Devils’ last outing after the 31-year-old Portugal midfielder picked up two assists against Aston Villa.
Casemiro broke the deadlock early in the second half against Aston Villa at Old Trafford after he headed home from a dangerous Fernandes corner-kick last Sunday.
Fernandes secured his second assist after the Man Utd captain played a superb through-ball to Matheus Cunha, while Benjamin Sesko also netted for his side.
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Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha stand after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Paul Merson praises Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha and raises Man Utd questions about Benjamin Sesko
Bruno Fernandes took his Premier League assist tally to 16 in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson was in complete awe of Fernandes’ impact for Man Utd against Villa at Old Trafford.
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“Manchester United keep on rolling along, don’t they?” Merson asked.
“But this is a difficult game for them. Bournemouth are on a massive unbeaten run, even though they didn’t win many of those games.
“Bruno Fernandes has been fantastic for Manchester United. The ball he played for Matheus Cunha’s goal last weekend was exquisite, truly unbelievable stuff!
“He is playing as well as anybody in the league now. To be fair, Bruno has played consistently good all season.”
Benjamin Sesko climbed off the bench and replaced Bryan Mbeumo before the 22-year-old forward found the back of the net for the Red Devils last weekend.
Speaking on the in-form Man Utd striker, Merson added: “I don’t expect Michael Carrick to bring Benjamin Sesko back into the starting line-up despite the goal against Aston Villa.
“As a manager, when it’s not going great for you, you always want that person who can get you out of trouble on the bench.”
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Paul Merson on Benjamin Sesko’s role under Michael Carrick and his scoreline prediction for Bournemouth vs Man Utd
Michael Carrick has started Sesko and used the United summer signing as a key substitute option as well since he took charge at Old Trafford on an interim basis.
Merson believes that the Slovenia international has become an all-important “insurance policy” for United legend Michael Carrick when it comes to a substitute.
“Sesko is that person for Carrick,” he continued.
“If he starts and they don’t play well, there is no insurance policy on the bench. So, I expect Manchester United to go with the same front-three that started in the win over Villa.
“People could tune in to this game thinking Manchester United will win. Let me remind you that this is a hard place to go to for any team and Bournemouth are tough to beat. I’m going for a draw.”
Merson has predicted that Bournemouth and United will play out a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium in Friday evening’s Premier League clash between the two sides.
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