How Manchester United could look in 4-2-3-1 formation against Bournemouth; Martial, Rashford and James in attack, McTominay in midfield

Manchester United will face another away day having to travel to the South Coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday with the match kicking off at 12:30 GMT. United have won their last three away matches, beating Partizan Belgrade 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League, then beating Norwich City 3-1 in the Premier League last Sunday, finishing by beating Chelsea 2-1 in the Carabao Cup in Wednesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will he happy with the performances of his team, who did well against Liverpool just after the international break, which would have been a confidence builder. Looking ahead at the Bournemouth match, this is what I think the team will look like, taking into account the injuries the club currently has, also assuming that Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Marcus Rashford are all fit to start.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

The Spanish goalkeeper has been rested since the 3-1 victory over Norwich City last Sunday so should be ready to face Bournemouth with Sergio Romero stepping up for the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, the clubs second victory over Frank Lampard’s side this season.

The 28-year-old has two clean sheets in the Premier League this season, making 10 appearances in the competition, also making 27 saves and making no errors which have led to goals being scored against him. After committing his future to the club, the speculation has disappeared and could be one of the reasons why his game has improved again.

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams

Solskjaer has some worried in defence ahead of this match with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire both suffering from knocks against Chelsea during the week, although they are expected to be fit after having tests and coming through a minimal training session, which could see them being declared as ready for start once again for their club.

On the flanks, of late, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been on top form, despite some mocking from opposition supporters – mostly through jealousy. He really has hit the headlines since his £45 million move to United from Crystal Palace in the summer. At left-back, with the continued absence of Luke Shaw, 19-year-old Brandon Williams should be given the nod.

Midfield: Scott McTominay, Fred

Scott McTominay is a player in form at this moment in time. He has played 90 minutes in each of the last five matches, three of those in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has scored two goals in the league this season, one against Arsenal at the end of September, the other last weekend at Norwich. He should be a mainstay in this team.

Fred has risen through the ranks recently too, missing five of the 15 matches the club has played this season, completing 90 minutes on seven occasions, including against Chelsea earlier this week and against Norwich last weekend. Fred has grown in confidence and could be on the cusp of proving himself, which is a good sign.

Attacking Midfield: Daniel James, Andreas Pereira, Marcus Rashford

In the attacking midfield areas, at least whilst Solskjaer has been utilising a 4-2-3-1 formation, the likes of Daniel James and Marcus Rashford are imperative. Both have done a lot in recent matches, with the Welshman having a better impact than the £505,000 per week Chilean, Alexis Sanchez who is currently on loan at Inter Milan, although injured.

Rashford, ever since scoring for England from the left, has been in good form, showing what confidence does for a player. Andreas Pereira, who was rested against Chelsea during the week, despite playing 23 minutes towards the end of the match, should start ahead of Jesse Lingard, who has not been cutting it at all this season, in my opinion.

Striker: Anthony Martial

I am glad Anthony Martial is back from injury. In the opening three matches of the season, up until his injury in the defeat to Crystal Palace, he was putting in the performances expected of him and was scoring goals (two in three matches), which is what needed to happen. Also scoring twice in his last three appearances.

It is important to have a fully fit striker and despite shining on the left flank for United for a number of years, Martial has scored many more goals playing as the leading man on the pitch. Rashford does not come across as the lead striker in this team but when playing with Martial, there is no reason why they cannot switch positions during matches.

Substitutes: Sergio Romero; Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young; Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, James Garner; Mason Greenwood

Having talent on the bench is what can get United through matches, especially late in the game. Sergio Romero is the guarantee replacement goalkeeper behind De Gea, so his place on the bench is safe. In defence, right now with Axel Tuanzebe out of action, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young will take the defensive placed on the bench.

In midfield, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and James Garner will be the players to be given opportunities if needed, Mata for his experience, Lingard for his ability to play in different positions, whether on the wing, behind the striker or as a forward, despite not doing much. Mason Greenwood will be back in the running too.

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I support Manchester United, the greatest English football team to have ever existed. Bruno Fernandes is the latest in a long line of players with great ability to play for the club. I idolised Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Eric Cantona growing up.