Ten Hag will make a call between Rashford and Antony.
(Image: 2024 Manchester United FC)

Erik ten Hag has controversial choice to make between his favourite Manchester United players

Man United play Bournemouth in the Premier League today and here are five things to look out for in the clash.

by · Manchester Evening News

Manchester United return to action at Bournemouth this evening in what is another crunch game. They all are at the minute, it seems.

After the stirring FA Cup win over Liverpool at Old Trafford a month ago, United had hoped to kick on. However, a fortunate draw against Brentford followed, then defeat at the hands of Chelsea left the Champions League hopes in the balance. And while a spirited 2-2 draw against Liverpool, this time in the league, rescued some hope it still means the chances of qualifying for Europe's premier competition are hanging by a thread.

A win this evening is an absolute must. Here's five things to look out for ahead of the Vitality Stadium encounter.

Rashford or Antony?

Marcus Rashford was substituted due to injury in the second half of Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Liverpool but he's set to be available for selection against Bournemouth.

"Rashy trained yesterday, so how he recovered from it today, we have another training today and then we will make a decision on it," said Erik ten Hag at his press conference.

Rashford returned to the starting team against Liverpool and Ten Hag suggested it was the 'game for him', however, he faded after making a promising start to the game.

Antony replaced Rashford just after the hour mark, which meant Alejandro Garnacho switched sides, and the Brazilian was able to build on his display at Stamford Bridge.

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He made an impact from the bench and most fans would prefer him to start with Garnacho on the left against Bournemouth, which would mean Rashford wouldn't make the XI.

Ten Hag has stood by Rashford and continued to play him when there have been calls to remove him from the side and also has an allegiance to Antony, who he signed for £86million, and it will be fascinating to see who gets the nod when the official teams are confirmed.

Kambwala to start again

Willy Kambwala started alongside Harry Maguire against Liverpool last weekend and earned plaudits for his excellent performance against a title-chasing team.

Kambwala was highly thought of when he joined the academy in 2020 from Sochaux in a €4million deal, but his progress in Manchester became disrupted by injuries.

The extent of Kambwala's injury problems meant that he didn't break 40 appearances for the Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-21s in his first three years, however, he's making up for lost time and club sources have spoken about the lengths he goes to look after his body.

Kambwala has broken into the team.

The 19-year-old has a likeable, warm personality and the Stretford End responded with a roar when Kambwala tracked back and recovered against Darwin Nunez.

Kambwala fist-pumped to the crowd and he's a certainty to start this weekend, so it's hoped he can perform again and stake a claim for a permanent squad role next season.

The evening kick-off time

United's game against Bournemouth will kick-off at 5:30pm and be shown live on Sky Sports, so it was worth checking how they've fared in similar contests this season.

The Reds have played seven games away from home in the league with a kick-off time later than 4.30pm and their record - three wins, three losses and a draw - is mixed.

  • April 4 - Chelsea 4-3 United
  • March 30 - Brentford 1-1 United
  • February 1 - Wolves 3-4 United
  • December 30 - Forest 2-1 United
  • December 2 - Newcastle 1-0 United
  • October 21 - Sheffield United 1-2 United
  • September 23 - Burnley 0-1 United

"You've only come to see United," is often heard from the away end and it's true to suggest home crowds rise to the occasion when Ten Hag's side visit, especially for a late kick-off.

Interestingly, the victories on the road for evening kick-off times have come against Burnley, Sheffield United and Wolves, and two of those are set to be relegated.

Kingdon to make the squad?

On Friday, the MEN revealed Jack Kingdon had been promoted to first-team training ahead of the game against Bournemouth, which means he could make the squad.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are unavailable for this weekend's clash at the Vitality Stadium due to muscle injuries, while Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are sidelined.

Kingdon for the Under-19s (far left).

Maguire and Kambwala are the only fit centre-backs available, which gives Kingdon an outside chance of being included in the squad that travels to the south coast.

Kingdon, whose natural position is centre-back, has made 21 appearances in total for the academy this season and he's delivered a string of impressive displays in defence.

He's been brilliant for the Under-18s and that group of players are on course to win their league.

Solanke is the danger man

Despite always being a capable forward, Dominic Solanke has taken his game to another level and he's been one of the surprise stories of the Premier League season.

Solanke has been among the league's highest goalscorers throughout the campaign and currently has 16 goals, which is just three shy of Erling Haaland's haul.

He's around 16/1 with the bookmakers to win the Golden Boot and while he's unlikely to claim that prize, he'll be desperate to score against United and put himself in the shop window.

Solanke was on target at Old Trafford as Bournemouth won 3-0 in December and his overall display - particularly his physicality, pace and presence - was impressive.

He's developed into an excellent No.9 and will, surely, get a chance to score considering only Sheffield United (560) have faced more shots than United in the league (554).