Manchester United faced AFC Bournemouth in Gameweek 16 of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign, and it was one of the most entertaining games of the season, ending in a 4-4 draw.
It was, however, not so entertaining for both teams’ players and managers, especially for Manchester United, who were winning in the final minutes of the game before conceding the equalising goal.
Despite the loss, the Red Devils put on a solid attacking performance, showing they were very dynamic and ambitious in the attacking phase, and that’s what the team should build on for the upcoming games.
However, the defensive performance was worrying as the team conceded four goals at home and failed to protect their lead.
That’s what this tactical analysis will try to present, spot, and explore Manchester United’s defensive mistakes in this match and how to address them.
Manchester United Vs Bournemouth Lineups & Formations
Rúben Amorim started the match in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Senne Lammens as the goalkeeper and a defensive line of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw as centre-backs.
The midfield featured Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as central midfielders, with Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo as wing-backs.
In attack, Manchester United relied on both Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo as advanced playmakers behind the striker, Matheus Cunha.
For AFC Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Đorđe Petrović as the goalkeeper, Adam Smith as the right-back, Bafodé Diakité and Marcos Senesi as centre-backs, and Adrien Truffert as the left-back.
The midfield featured Marcus Tavernier and Tyler Adams as central midfielders, Antoine Semenyo and Álex Jiménez as wingers, and Justin Kluivert as an advanced playmaker just behind the main striker, Evanilson.
![Manchester United Vs Bournemouth [4–4] – Premier League 2025/2026: The Red Devils Defensive Issues – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Manchester-United-Vs-Bournemouth-4–4-–-Premier-League-20252026-The-Red-Devils-Defensive-Issues-–-Tactical-Analysis-1.jpg "Manchester United Vs Bournemouth [4–4] – Premier League 2025/2026: Why Are Rúben Amorim Tactics Exposed In Transition? – Tactical Analysis 2")
Manchester United Defensive Dilemmas & Poor Counterattacking Defence
Amorim came to Manchester United with the conviction of playing with a reliance on a 3-4-3 formation or one of its variations, like the 3-4-2-1.
However, being unable to be tactically fluid enough to prepare alternatives to it and to have plan B and C formations to use when necessary can be blamed on the Portuguese head coach.
