Andoni Iraola urges Bournemouth to make things ‘very difficult’ for Man Utd, ‘they are going to…’

Add as preferred source on Google

Andoni Iraola hopes his Bournemouth players can make things ‘difficult’ for Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium.

Manchester United will travel to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm UK time.

With United in the bottom half of the table and safe from relegation, there is nothing to play for apart from pride, though it’s a different story for Bournemouth.

The Cherries are still in the hunt for European qualification, and they’re unbeaten in their last three league games against the Reds, including a decisive 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Andoni Iraola’s team have already achieved a record 49 points this season, surpassing their previous best of 48 points, with five games left to play. A place in Europe would be the icing on the cake for Bournemouth.

The hosts will fancy their chances against a side that has lost 15 times in the league this season. Moreover, the Red Devils have failed to score in 13 league matches.

Andoni Iraola previews Manchester United clash

Iraola is expecting a ‘very good’ side when United visit the Vitality Stadium, even though the United head coach is likely to rotate his side with one eye on Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club.

Despite claiming a comfortable win over United in December, Iraola has warned his players that the Red Devils will be looking to react after their recent 1-0 defeat against Wolves.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about United ahead of the match, Iraola said: “I think they are going to be very good.

“I think they are going to come with the intention of, also after a loss, because they lost the other day against Wolves, next game you want to react and you want to have a good performance.

“The best way for them to arrive in the best place for Thursday, for sure, if you ask Ruben, he will tell you it’s winning at Bournemouth and having a good performance and winning confidence.

“And they are going to try to do this, no doubt. But I hope we are able to give them a very difficult match and take our chances and obviously try to win the game.”

Iraola aware Man Utd have bigger fixture coming up

There is no denying that United are focusing on winning the Europa League.

After all, it is the only route back into the Champions League for the Red Devils.

But Iraola doesn’t think they will take Sunday’s game lightly. Instead, he believes United will be looking to take momentum from their trip to Bournemouth with them to Spain.

“Thursday is important for them, of course, but they will want to beat us on Sunday also and so we have prepared for their strongest 11,” the Bournemouth manager said during Friday’s press conference.

Bournemouth are looking to become the sixth side to complete a league double over United this season.