Match Preview
Man Utd V AFCB
This week I spoke with Jordan Street from the Old Trafford Faithful website on the form of Manchester United ahead of the match with Bournemouth. United are looking stronger than ever with the inclusion of Bruno Fernandes who has scored five goals in eight games and the striking power of Anthony Martial who hit three against Sheffield United. They have had two clean sheets in their last two Premier League games so the Cherries are really up against a form side today.
CC: Are you surprised that Anthony Martial has suddenly hit the sweet spot in his scoring having had the first hat-trick for Man Utd in an absolute age?
OTF: I'll be honest, I am. I'm not the biggest Anthony Martial fan out there, though I appreciate he's a super-talented young man. Inconsistency has really hampered his growth over the last few seasons, but now with a manager in place who believes in him, perhaps he can take his game to that next level? I'm more than happy to be proven wrong!
CC: Marcus Rashford is the best role model in English football at the moment. But how has he done since the restart on the§ football field?
OTF: He's struggled, though we have to remember he was suffering from a pretty serious back injury before lockdown. I'm happy to give him another couple of weeks to get back up to speed before judging him too harshly, though!
CC: What would be success for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season - FA Cup winners and fifth place? And is it good that the press have stopped talking about him losing his job?
OTF: I'm pleased that the press is off his back for now, because I genuinely believe he has been the best manager we've had since Sir Alex Ferguson.
To me, it's all about trophies. An FA Cup win would be lovely, while I give us a great shot in the Europa League, too. A top-four finish would be the icing on the cake as Champions League football is key when it comes to attracting those big-name signings.
CC: Do you expect Man Utd to make a move for either Josh King or David Brooks this summer?
OTF: I think the Josh King boat has probably sailed. I said it at the time, but there were definitely worse options available in January than the former United man.
As for David Brooks, I love watching him operate. It's a shame that injury has wrecked his season because he was outstanding last term. He definitely fits the player-profile that Solskjaer had shown a preference towards. He'd be pretty pricey, but it's a deal I'd fully get behind.
CC: Where do Man Utd need to strengthen to become a challenger for the Premier League title next time around?
OTF: United need a world-class right-winger, another centre-half and some more depth in midfield - hence why I like the possibility of the versatile Brooks joining.
CC: What do you think of how Bournemouth have performed this season and their league position?
OTF: I, like all Bournemouth fans I'm sure, are feeling pretty disappointed. The results and overall displays haven't been anywhere near the level I expected - though I appreciate injuries and behind-closed-doors situations (Ryan Fraser) haven't helped...
It's sad because I love Eddie Howe and the work he is doing down there. I just hope Bournemouth stay up!
CC: Which three teams do you think will go down?
OTF: I think Villa and Norwich are already gone. West Ham, Watford and Bournemouth are all in danger of finishing eighteenth and going down. Personally, I think it'll be Watford as the other two have so much quality in their ranks, but right now it's a toss-up...
CC: Bournemouth managed to beat Man Utd at Dean Court this season, so is this far from a gimmie for Man Utd at Old Trafford despite AFCB's recent poor away form?
OTF: There must be something in those South Coast waters as we always struggle down there! Jokes aside, I feel far more comfortable with this game being at home, and we're playing pretty well right now.
No game is a gimmie, and United will have to perform, but I'm hopeful we can pick up all three points here, sorry folks!
CC: How would you expect Man Utd to line up for this game?
OTF: As strong as we can. We need to win every single fixture to give ourselves the best shot at finishing in the top four.
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.
That's about as good as it gets for us right now, though that front five must be pretty scary for any opposing side!
CC: How many do you think Man Utd should win by?
OTF: Two? Three. I'll go for a 3-1 United win...
Well thanks Jordan for confirming that United are ready to get some revenge on AFCB. It is just about the worse time to play Man Utd at Old Trafford but the lack of a crowd may make it different for our players. Of course Bournemouth have not played well yet in an empty stadium and all the prospects are for a United victory. United have lost to Burnley at home in the league this calendar year so it is not impossible to win there. Still, I fear for a drubbing in this game. Bournemouth can only go out and try and improve on their recent performances and at leasts try and get a few shots on targets, which has been woeful since the restart. Do take a look at Old Trafford Faithful for more news and views on the Man United team.
Man Utd Home Form
LDWWW
AFCB Away Form
LLLLL
CC: Are you surprised that Anthony Martial has suddenly hit the sweet spot in his scoring having had the first hat-trick for Man Utd in an absolute age?
OTF: I'll be honest, I am. I'm not the biggest Anthony Martial fan out there, though I appreciate he's a super-talented young man. Inconsistency has really hampered his growth over the last few seasons, but now with a manager in place who believes in him, perhaps he can take his game to that next level? I'm more than happy to be proven wrong!
CC: Marcus Rashford is the best role model in English football at the moment. But how has he done since the restart on the§ football field?
OTF: He's struggled, though we have to remember he was suffering from a pretty serious back injury before lockdown. I'm happy to give him another couple of weeks to get back up to speed before judging him too harshly, though!
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OTF: I'm pleased that the press is off his back for now, because I genuinely believe he has been the best manager we've had since Sir Alex Ferguson.
To me, it's all about trophies. An FA Cup win would be lovely, while I give us a great shot in the Europa League, too. A top-four finish would be the icing on the cake as Champions League football is key when it comes to attracting those big-name signings.
CC: Do you expect Man Utd to make a move for either Josh King or David Brooks this summer?
OTF: I think the Josh King boat has probably sailed. I said it at the time, but there were definitely worse options available in January than the former United man.
As for David Brooks, I love watching him operate. It's a shame that injury has wrecked his season because he was outstanding last term. He definitely fits the player-profile that Solskjaer had shown a preference towards. He'd be pretty pricey, but it's a deal I'd fully get behind.
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OTF: United need a world-class right-winger, another centre-half and some more depth in midfield - hence why I like the possibility of the versatile Brooks joining.
CC: What do you think of how Bournemouth have performed this season and their league position?
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It's sad because I love Eddie Howe and the work he is doing down there. I just hope Bournemouth stay up!
CC: Which three teams do you think will go down?
OTF: I think Villa and Norwich are already gone. West Ham, Watford and Bournemouth are all in danger of finishing eighteenth and going down. Personally, I think it'll be Watford as the other two have so much quality in their ranks, but right now it's a toss-up...
CC: Bournemouth managed to beat Man Utd at Dean Court this season, so is this far from a gimmie for Man Utd at Old Trafford despite AFCB's recent poor away form?
OTF: There must be something in those South Coast waters as we always struggle down there! Jokes aside, I feel far more comfortable with this game being at home, and we're playing pretty well right now.
No game is a gimmie, and United will have to perform, but I'm hopeful we can pick up all three points here, sorry folks!
CC: How would you expect Man Utd to line up for this game?
OTF: As strong as we can. We need to win every single fixture to give ourselves the best shot at finishing in the top four.
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.
That's about as good as it gets for us right now, though that front five must be pretty scary for any opposing side!
CC: How many do you think Man Utd should win by?
OTF: Two? Three. I'll go for a 3-1 United win...
Well thanks Jordan for confirming that United are ready to get some revenge on AFCB. It is just about the worse time to play Man Utd at Old Trafford but the lack of a crowd may make it different for our players. Of course Bournemouth have not played well yet in an empty stadium and all the prospects are for a United victory. United have lost to Burnley at home in the league this calendar year so it is not impossible to win there. Still, I fear for a drubbing in this game. Bournemouth can only go out and try and improve on their recent performances and at leasts try and get a few shots on targets, which has been woeful since the restart. Do take a look at Old Trafford Faithful for more news and views on the Man United team.
Man Utd Home Form
LDWWW
AFCB Away Form
LLLLL
Possible AFCB line up
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| AFCB Subs: Boruc, Stacey, Mepham, Rico, Billing, Danjuma, H Wilson, Surrdige, Solanke |
AFCBTV Preview
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