The interim manager clinched another significant victory against Aston Villa in their previous match, securing a three-point lead in third place. Goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have contributed to the revitalised atmosphere that Carrick has fostered since assuming control.

United are expected to be without several players at Bournemouth, including Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez, though Mason Mount has made a comeback from injury.

Off the pitch, United loanee Jadon Sancho has been linked with a permanent departure from Old Trafford. Here, Express Sport examines some of the headlines surrounding the club.

Michael Carrick shares plan

United boss Carrick has clarified that he will not rush Mount back into his starting line-up. The 27-year-old recently rejoined the matchday squad against Villa, but hasn’t played since Carrick’s first game at in charge two months ago.

“Starting would be too much, I think, at this point, [for Mason],” Carrick explained. “Just for the training time and the exposure he’s had, really.

“But it’s brilliant to have him back. He’s a fantastic player, Mason, and great to have around the group again.

“So [I’m] delighted to have him back and, obviously, the break coming up now gives him a chance to get even more up to speed. So, in some ways, that’s come at a good time for him.”

United loanee Sancho has reportedly emerged as a target for his former club, Borussia Dortmund. The winger is currently on loan at Aston Villa.

The Times claim that Dortmund remain hopeful of securing Sancho for a third spell when his United contract concludes in the summer. The club had previously chosen not to recruit wingers during the transfer window, owing to manager Niko Kovac’s tactical preferences, but the coach has reportedly changed his mind and sanctioned a potential move.

A substantial acquisition from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho struggled to replicate his finest performances in a United jersey and briefly returned to the German side in 2024. He spent last season with Chelsea before completing a deadline day switch to Villa, where he has featured in 18 league matches this campaign.