Man Utd's anticipated lineup against AFC Bournemouth: Rashford and Martinez return

Man Utd will look to kick off the New Year with a boom at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Man Utd’s predicted line-up to take on AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League (Image: Getty Images/Pick The Team)

Man Utd will be hoping to carry their good form at the back end of 2022 into 2023 when they host AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford was the hero off the bench for United on New Year’s Eve, scoring with just less than 15 minutes remaining to secure three points over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Following Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Aston Villa on New Year’s Day, the Reds find themselves fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind Newcastle United who have played a game more.

Visitors AFC Bournemouth find themselves in a relegation battle after their return from the Championship. Gary O’Neil’s side are two points above the relegation zone after a 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend.

MEN Sport is predicting that changes will be minimal for the Reds as they begin 2023 on home soil. Unsurprisingly David de Gea should start in goal, a choice even more certain after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United.

In defence, Diogo Dalot has returned to training but it would be harsh to drop Aaron Wan-Bissaka at this moment in time. Lisandro Martinez’s return from Argentina came just too soon for Wolves but, with Luke Shaw having to fill in at centre-back, the World Cup winner should be drafted into the defence to relieve that concern.

Midfield is almost picking itself these days with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in particular undroppable. Christian Eriksen was not at his best against the West Midlands club but Erik ten Hag may opt to stick with him on Tuesday night knowing that he can be rested in the next two cup matches if necessary.

Rashford saved the day for United at the weekend and, after oversleeping cost him a place in the starting line-up last time out, he should be brought back into the first team for AFC Bournemouth. Anthony Martial is the only recognised centre-forward at the club so he will likely remain and Antony could be preferred to Alejandro Garnacho, allowing the teenager a rest.