The Jose Mourinho era at Manchester United officially begins at Vitality Stadium as they begin their season at Bournemouth, live on NBCSN at 8:30am E.T. or live online at NBCSports.com.
Paul Pogba’s return to the Red Devils will have to wait, with the Frenchman suspended for the season opener due to yellow card accumulation at the end of last season with Juventus. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however, will take center stage having logged a fantastic, flashy preseason.
WATCH LIVE: Bournemouth vs. Manchester United live online
Starting alongside the Swede, somewhat surprisingly, is Juan Mata. The Spanish playmaker was shamed by Mourinho by subbing on and then off again in the Community Shield. The two have a dubious history, and given that and the preseason actions, it seemed likely Mata would be on the fringe of the squad.
Also suspended is Chris Smalling, so new signing Eric Bailly and incumbent defender Daley Blind partner in the middle of United’s back line. New playmaker Henrik Mkhitaryan begins on the bench.
For Bournemouth, they begin a promising campaign, finally with a full bill of health. New singing Jordan Ibe comes into the midfield in an attacking-heavy lineup.
Manchester United has really struggled at Vitality recently, with Bournemouth unbeaten in their last four home matches against Manchester United, including a 2-1 win here over the Red Devils last season.
LINEUPS
Bournemouth - Boruc, Smith, Francis, Steve Cook, Daniels, Surman, Arter, Lewis Cook, Ibe, Wilson, King.
Bench - Federici, Gosling, Ake, Afobe, Gradel, Smith, Grabban.
Manchester United - De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Ander Herrera; Mata, Rooney, Martial; Ibrahimovic.
Bench - Romero, Rojo, Memphis, Carrick, Rashford, Schneiderlin, Mkhitaryan.