Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford later today, with Simon Hooper appointed as referee
- The Red Devils hold seventh place with 25 points after 15 matches, while Bournemouth are 14th with 20 points
- Bournemouth have claimed two 3:0 victories at Old Trafford in recent seasons, but United won their most recent meeting 4:1 in a friendly on 31 July 2025
Match Preview and Context
Manchester United are set to welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on 15 December 2025 for a Premier League contest kicking off at 21:00 CET. Simon Hooper has been designated as the central referee for what promises to be a closely-watched fixture between clubs with contrasting objectives for the campaign.
With seven wins and a total of 25 points from 15 outings, Manchester United currently occupy seventh position, having scored 26 goals and conceded 22. Ruben Amorim’s charges are firmly in contention for European football, with a victory potentially propelling them closer to the league’s top six.
Old Trafford under the lights 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/zdu2Zp8dHN
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2025
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, sit in 14th place with 20 points from the same number of fixtures. The Cherries have found the net 21 times but have been breached on 24 occasions. While they have maintained a buffer from the relegation battle, additional points are needed to solidify their mid-table status.
Form Guide and Recent Results
The Red Devils, after a tentative start to the season, have begun to display improvements and greater cohesion on the pitch. Recent results illustrate a team searching for greater consistency: Manchester United have registered two victories, two draws, and one defeat in their last five league fixtures. Their notable 4:1 away success at Wolverhampton on 8 December was followed by a 1:1 stalemate with West Ham United on 4 December. They also secured a 2:1 away win over Crystal Palace on 30 November, suffered a 0:1 home loss to Everton on 24 November, and started the month with a 2:2 draw at Tottenham on 8 November.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have endured a dip in form, with three defeats and two draws in their previous five outings. They shared the points in a goalless draw with Chelsea on 6 December, but suffered losses to Everton (0:1 on 2 December) and Sunderland (2:3 on 29 November). A 2:2 draw with West Ham United on 22 November was followed by a 0:4 reverse at Aston Villa on 9 November.
| Team | Position | Points | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 7 | 25 | 26 | 22 | W, D, W, L, D |
| Bournemouth | 14 | 20 | 21 | 24 | D, L, L, D, L |
Head-to-Head History
Bournemouth have been a troublesome opponent for Manchester United in recent years, particularly at Old Trafford. In the sides’ five most recent head-to-head clashes, the Cherries have secured two wins, two draws and suffered just a single defeat. Of particular significance, Bournemouth earned emphatic 3:0 victories at Old Trafford in both December 2023 and December 2024, underlining their ability to unsettle the hosts on their own patch.
The most recent encounter came in a pre-season friendly on 31 July 2025, with Manchester United running out 4:1 winners. Their last competitive Premier League meeting was at the Vitality Stadium on 27 April 2025, finishing 1:1.
Key Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes continues to orchestrate Manchester United’s play from midfield. Renowned for his vision and creativity, Fernandes’ passing range and chance creation are instrumental to his side’s attacking phases, especially at Old Trafford. The captain is also entrusted with responsibility from set pieces.
For Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo poses the greatest attacking threat. The Ghanaian forward is recognised for his pace and directness, traits which have troubled Manchester United on numerous occasions. Semenyo’s track record against the Red Devils makes him a focal point for Iraola’s side as they look to extend their impressive run at this venue.
