Europa League

Home fortress can boost Man Utd's European hopes

By 17 May 2016

Strong Old Trafford record raises hopes of fifth place by avoiding defeat to AFC Bournemouth

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Manchester United head into their final Barclays Premier League fixture of the season looking to continue their strong record at Old Trafford and boasting perfect form at home to AFC Bournemouth, their opponents on Tuesday evening.

Theoretically, United still have not lost the chance of a top-four place but the 19-goal margin of victory over AFC Bournemouth they need to leapfrog Manchester City would be unprecedented in the BPL.

Only 32 goals have been scored in total at Old Trafford this season, the fewest of the 20 BPL stadiums. The stadiums with the next-lowest goals totals are Vicarage Road with 39 and the Liberty Stadium with 40.

Stanislas Scores from corner!
In the corresponding fixture Junior Stanislas scored directly from a corner

Avoiding defeat will at least give United fifth place and a spot in the UEFA Europa League group stages, irrespective of how they fare in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

United enter the match in form, having taken 19 points from a possible 21 in their last seven BPL matches, but host a AFC Bournemouth side who have lost only three of their last 12 BPL matches on the road.

That said, the Cherries have struggled to claim wins of late, with only one victory in their last seven matches (W1 D1 L5).

Old Trafford has also not been a venue where the Cherries have had any joy. AFC Bournemouth have visited the stadium four times in all competitions and have lost each time without scoring.

If they do score for the first time, the source of the AFC Bournemouth's goal could come from defence. Full-back Charlie Daniels has provided five assists this season, more than any other defender in the BPL.

Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 17 May.

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