Man United travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League and the pundits have had their say.Sport
Sean McCormick Football Content Editor
07:00, 27 Apr 2025
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Manchester United travel to the south coast on Sunday afternoon as they take on Bournemouth in the Premier League.
United started the weekend in 14th place in the Premier League table and, in truth, their season domestically has been over since the beginning of March.
Ruben Amorim’s side’s number one priority is winning this season’s Europa League and gaining entry into next season’s Champions League as a result.
With Thursday’s semi-final first leg away at Athletic Bilbao on the horizon, Amorim is expected to make changes to his side to keep his key players fresh for their trip to Spain.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth are well in the mix to finish in eighth place., which could well secure them UEFA Conference League football next season.
Given the Cherries have something to play for and United don’t, leading Premier League pundits aren’t giving Amorim’s side much chance at the Vitality Stadium.
Here’s how they believe United will fare:
Chris Sutton
The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: “Bournemouth hammered Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford before Christmas and they have to be heavy favourites to win this game too.
“United travel to play Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next Thursday, and Ruben Amorim has already spoken about how he will prioritise that competition over the Premier League.
“So, Amorim will play more younger players here and on top of that, although Bournemouth are not on a great run of results, they are still in better form than United are.
“I am backing Bournemouth and it is going to be tough for United against Bilbao too. Bilbao got the better of Rangers in the last round and I am expecting two pretty tight games.
“Rangers did have some opportunities, though, so United have got a chance if they can click going forward. Having the second leg at Old Trafford will help Amorim’s side, too.”
Sutton’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United
Paul Merson
The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: “I know it sounds weird but this match means absolutely nothing to Manchester United. If Ruben Amorim uses his best players in this game, I would be shocked. If you are Manchester United, I think you should just forget about this trip to Bournemouth, write it off!
“Amorim is 100 per cent right when he says the Europa League is the priority for Manchester United. They are just three games away from returning to the Champions League. So it shouldn’t be a problem if they field a second string team against Bournemouth and get beaten in the process, which I think will happen. I mean, even with their first team, this is still a very tough game for Manchester United.
“Bruno Fernandes should not start this game. He has played enough football this season and must be completely rested for the Europa League semi-final. They cannot risk him here and then complain later if he picks up a knock. If Manchester United miss out on Champions League football again, it will be extremely hard for them to rebuild their squad.
“But if I had to pick an English team to win the Europa League now, it would still be Tottenham. Athletic Club will be a massive challenge for Manchester United. The fact that the final will be held in Bilbao is added motivation for the La Liga club.”
Merson’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United
Alan Shearer
The former Newcastle and England captain told Betfair: “We all know with Man United, their season isn’t the Premier League, it’s now focused on Europe.”
“They’ll continue to rotate and bring one or two kids in for games in the league and this is why they’ll lose these games.”
Shearer’s prediction: Bournemouth to win
Mark Lawrenson
The former BBC pundit told Paddy Power: “This is a Bournemouth win all day long. It’s like The Forsyte Saga watching Manchester United. Ask your parents!”
Lawrenson’s prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United