According to a report by the Evening Standard on Friday, October 23, 2026, Manchester United could face an additional challenge in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth after Cherries striker Eli Junior Kroupi moved closer to returning from injury.

The 19-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a fractured metatarsal during pre-season preparations. The injury required surgery and prevented him from featuring during the early stages of the campaign.

However, Bournemouth manager Marco Rose has confirmed that Kroupi will travel with the squad to Old Trafford on Sunday and could feature against Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.

Explaining his plans for the young forward, Rose said: “The plan is to take him with us to Manchester and give him some minutes.”

The manager’s comments suggest Bournemouth intend to ease Kroupi back into action rather than immediately include him in the starting line-up.

His potential return would provide the visitors with a significant attacking boost. The French striker scored 13 league goals last season and attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, before his injury interrupted his progress.

Bournemouth will travel to Manchester in confident mood after winning their last three matches. The Cherries will be determined to maintain that momentum and take advantage of United’s recent difficulties.

Meanwhile, Carrick is under increasing pressure following a disappointing run of results. Manchester United’s heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday extended their winless streak to seven matches, raising further concerns about the team’s performances and the manager’s future.

Although Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s encounter, another poor result could intensify scrutiny of his position at Old Trafford.

Despite the criticism surrounding United, Rose has warned his players against allowing the situation to distract them from their preparations. The Bournemouth manager believes the negative attention could instead motivate the home side to respond with a stronger performance.

“It should not affect us and our work,” Rose said. “I hear the voices and the noise around the club, but I don’t know if it helps us because everyone in Manchester seems to know now what to do and how to do it.”

Rose also expects United to approach the match with intensity and determination, meaning Bournemouth must remain disciplined throughout the contest.

“It’s up to us to go there, be focused, bring our football onto the pitch and react well to situations,” he added. “I think they’re going to be angry, they’re going to be intense. We have to face it, make an open game of it and, at the end, we want to win it.”

With Bournemouth enjoying three consecutive victories and Kroupi potentially returning to action, the visitors will hope to extend their winning run against a struggling United side.

However, the striker’s involvement remains uncertain, as Rose has indicated only that he could receive some playing time rather than confirming him as a starter.