Manchester United are looking to tighten their grip on third place when they take on Bournemouth in tonight’s Premier League action.
After that setback against Newcastle United, Michael Carrick’s side responded emphatically at home to Aston Villa last weekend with Bruno Fernandes again at the heart of things.
With Chelsea and Liverpool also dropping points last weekend, United can move six points clear of the chasing pack tonight – and move within four of second place Manchester City who are preoccupied with the Carabao Cup this weekend.
The reverse fixture between these two was a chaotic thriller at Old Trafford, finishing 4-4 in November. But be warned, three of Bournemouth last four games have finished goalless.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
Sort:
Pinned Update March 20, 2026 6:46 pm
Manchester United line-up
Chris Davie
Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.
Subs: Bayindir, Fredricson, Malacia, Yoro, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Lacey, Mantato, Obi
March 20, 2026 6:52 pm
Unchanged for Manchester United
Chris Davie
Michael Carrick has stuck with the same starting XI from their 3-1 victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford last weekend.
The only swap in the entire squad sees 21-year-old centre-back Tyler Fredricson replace Noussair Mazraoui on the bench.
March 20, 2026 6:48 pm
Bournemouth line-up
Chris Davie
Bournemouth: Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Sensei, Truffert, Christie, Scott, Adli, Rayan, Tavernier, Evanilson
Subs: Mandas, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Smith, Diakite, Kroupi, Unal, Toth, Milosavljevic
March 20, 2026 6:41 pm
Score prediction
Chris Davie
Alan Shearer gave Metro his Premier League predictions earlier today – here’s his verdict for Bournemouth vs Manchester United…
This is a really good game and a tough one to predict. Man United could keep their run going after they bounced back really well from their defeat at Newcastle.
I guess because of the situation that Michael Carrick has put Man United in, then they should go there with full belief and confidence. Away from home, they were really poor at Newcastle, but we’ll have to wait and see whether that’s something they need to look at. Michael Carrick has put them in a brilliant position for Champions League football, and I don’t expect them to get beaten against Bournemouth. I’m going to say a draw.
Prediction – Draw
March 20, 2026 6:38 pm
Form guide
Chris Davie
Manchester United head into this game off the back of a 3-1 win at home to Aston Villa last Sunday.
Michael Carrick’s side have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six Premier League games.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have drawn four Premier League games in a row and their most recent result was a goalless stalemate away to Burnley last Saturday.
March 20, 2026 6:34 pm
Team news shortly…
Chris Davie
Team news should land at 6.45pm but we know Manchester United will be without Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are out due to injury.
Bournemouth will be without Tyler Adams, Julio Soler, Lewis Cook and Justin Kluivert.
March 20, 2026 6:31 pm
How to watch Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Chris Davie
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
March 20, 2026 6:30 pm
Bournemouth vs Manchester United kick-off time
Chris Davie
Bournemouth vs Manchester United kicks off tonight (Friday, 20 March) at 8pm.
March 20, 2026 6:25 pm
Chris Davie
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Impey/Shutterstock (16783706e) General views of the Vitality Stadium before the game with nice cloud formations AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Dorset - UK, 20/03/2026
Bournemouth host Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium tonight (Shutterstock)
Good evening and welcome to Metro’s live coverage of Bournemouth vs Manchester United – kick-off is at 8pm…
MORE: James Tarkowski injury update ahead of Everton vs Chelsea
MORE: Thomas Tuchel reveals if Arsenal star Max Dowman could make England’s World Cup squad
MORE: Eddie Howe speaks out on Manchester United ‘offer’ for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.