Carrick is expecting tough test against Cherries

MICHAEL Carrick is expecting a difficult test when Manchester United travel to impressive Bournemouth looking to maintain their Champions League charge.

- BY SIMON PEACH

The rejuvenated Red Devils sit third in the Premier League after bouncing back from their first loss under the head coach away to Newcastle by beating top-four rivals Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday.

Bournemouth lie 10th in the standings and have made life tough for United in recent years, with December’s jaw-dropping 4-4 Old Trafford draw extending their recent unbeaten run in this fixture.

Andoni Iraola has not lost in five previous matches against a club he has been linked to, although Carrick can further his case for the long-term post with a win at the Vitality Stadium.

“It's a tough game,” the United head coach said of Bournemouth, who are undefeated in 10 in the Premier League. “It's a tough place to go. They're on a really good run of form, so, yeah, a difficult game.