Carrick takes in-form United to Bournemouth in Friday night Premier League clash
This is the only Premier League fixture on Friday night and it is a good one. Third-placed Manchester United, who have won seven of their last nine matches under Michael Carrick, head to a Bournemouth side sitting 10th with 41 points. The reverse fixture at Old Trafford back in December finished 4-4, so both sides know they are capable of hurting each other.
Carrick's transformation
When Carrick took charge on January 13, United were drifting. Nine weeks later, they sit third on 54 points from 30 games with a genuine shot at a Champions League place. Bruno Fernandes has been the driving force, chasing the Premier League assists record, and Benjamin Sesko has made a habit of scoring off the bench. The whole mood around Old Trafford has shifted.
The challenge now is consistency away from home. United's record at the Vitality Stadium is mixed and Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola are well-drilled, compact and dangerous on the counter.
Bournemouth's quiet season
Iraola's side have not grabbed as many headlines as last season, but 41 points with eight games to play is a solid return. The problem has been turning draws into wins. Bournemouth have drawn more games than any other team in the league this season, including a run of goalless stalemates against Brentford and Burnley in recent weeks.
Justin Kluivert misses out with a knee problem, and Tyler Adams is out. Lewis Cook is also sidelined with a thigh injury. Marcos Senesi should be fit after cramping in the last match.
United's injury list
Carrick is without Lisandro Martinez (calf), with the Argentine not expected back until April. Matthijs de Ligt's recovery from a back injury has stalled, and Patrick Dorgu is out with a hamstring problem. Mason Mount returned to the squad against Aston Villa last time out but is unlikely to start. Noussair Mazraoui missed training through illness and is a doubt.
Kick-off is at 8:00 PM GMT. With Arsenal out of sight at the top, this is really a battle for third and fourth, and United cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay ahead of Aston Villa.
