Erik ten Hag has racked up an endless list of 'dark days' in charge of Manchester United, and few were bleaker than Bournemouth's previous visit to Old Trafford.
It wasn't just United Cherry won 3-0But Andoni Iraola's side comprehensively outplayed them. The Red Devils had beaten Chelsea at home a few days earlier, but the 2-1 win was another false dawn.
Things are very different over a year ago. While Bournemouth emerges as a contender for Europe in Iraola's second term, united They have moved away from Ten Hag in favor of a new project led by Ruben Amorim.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss has not been afraid to make bold decisions on the team selection front since taking over, and having spent the first month of his reign taking a look at the entire United squad, it appears as if Amorim is starting to make a decision on a preferred XI.
This is the United team that could play against Bournemouth.
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana – United supporters will go above and beyond so that Onana remains injury-free all the way after facing Altai Binder on Thursday night.
Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt – Lenny Euro Impressed at Tottenham He could keep his place on the right side of United's back three, but it would be a surprise if De Ligt is left out given he appears to be rested for Sunday's game.
Centre-back: Harry Maguire – We've seen Maguire impress in England's centre-back three and now he looks comfortable within the new manager's framework.
Center back: Lisandro Martinez – Amorim encouraged Martinez to be braver on the ball, but the Portuguese coach will also have to remind the Argentine of his defensive basics after his poor display in midweek.
RWB: Nassir Mazraoui – Al-Mazraoui was suffering from an injury before Thursday's match, and it is better for him to get some rest. However, if Amorim decides to keep Amad in the attacking line, he will have no choice but to field Mazraoui at right-back.
Midfielder: Manuel Ugarte – The stubborn Uruguayan is showing signs of finding the form he showed under Amorim at Sporting. He was very good on Thursday night and deserves to keep his place.
CM: Kobe Maino – The Maino-Ugarte axis is certainly the best combination for United given how their skills complement each other. Maino came off the bench in midweek and should be relatively fresh for the visit of Bournemouth.
Left wing: Diogo Dalot – Talk about the position United should upgrade at the next potential opportunity. Dalot has been a mainstay for Amorim so far, but that is due to a lack of alternatives rather than the player's excellent performances.
Morning: Imad Diallo – United's main man was on the scoresheet for the second successive match in the cup, although that goal was far less skillful than Sunday's derby winner. Amad is likely to return to the starting line-up, even if Amorim hinted there could be a return to the matchday squad for Marcus Rashford.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Is there any relief for Fernandes? He takes to the field at every opportunity and will no doubt remain in the team on Sunday despite the quick turnaround.
ST: Joshua Zirkese – Rasmus Hoglund struggled last time out and Zirkzee showed he can act as Amorim's front man. The Dutchman was on the scoresheet against Tottenham and perhaps his role was enough to convince the manager that he deserves to start on Sunday.