Why is Bournemouth v Manchester United on Friday? talkSPORT coverage of crucial Premier League clash

Bournemouth and Manchester United will both have qualification for European football in their sights when they meet later this week.

The 2025/26 Premier League season concludes on May 24 and there is still so much to play in the final weeks.

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Andoni Iraola has enjoyed another strong campaign at Bournemouth, who haven’t lost in the league since January 3.

They are currently on a ten-match unbeaten run, although six have ended in a draw.

Bournemouth have also scored just the one goal across their last four matches following a 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

The Cherries are tenth in the table and seven points off sixth, which is the final spot for European qualification.

United on the other hand sit third and are in the race for Champions League football.

Michael Carrick has been an excellent appointment since agreeing to take the reins until the end of the season in January.

He has won seven of his nine matches in charge, with the most recent being a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

Five points separate them and fifth in the Premier League, with a top four finish certainly an achievable outcome.

Why is Bournemouth v Manchester United on Friday night?

Bournemouth will host United at the Vitality Stadium on March 20, and kick-off is scheduled for 8pm.

The match will be played in this slot as part of a broadcast selection, with Sky Sports broadcasting it on television.

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Bournemouth v Manchester United: How to follow

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the Premier League match hosted by Hugh Woozencroft.

Sam Matterface will be alongside the former West Ham and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew.

To tune in to talkSPORT through our website, click HERE for the live stream.

Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Bournemouth v Manchester United: Team news

Tyler Adams could miss out for Bournemouth after picking up an injury in training on Friday before their draw with Burnley.

Justin Kluivert remains out after undergoing surgery on his knee in January, and Lewis Cook is also unavailable with a hamstring injury.

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Julio Soler has a similar issue, but Ben Gannon-Doak could make his first appearance since recovering from hamstring surgery.

Carrick looks set to be without Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez once again on Friday.

However, he will have been pleased to see Mason Mount return to the bench when they hosted Villa at the weekend.

Bournemouth v Manchester United: What’s been said?

United captain Bruno Fernandes picked up his 15th and 16th assists of the season against Villa.

The Premier League record during a single campaign is 20, with both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne hitting that total.

“Bruno has done it for a long period of time now,” Carrick said.

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“In the big moments, making a difference whether he’s scoring or creating, he’s normally around it. Maybe (he can break the record)…

“I don’t think it’s something you go chasing for. I think it happens naturally but if he does, then he’s obviously created goals for us, so I’ll be happy with that.”