Andoni Iraola details key Manchester United change since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag

Andoni Iraola says Manchester United have already become a "different" side under Ruben Amorim.

Iraola takes his Bournemouth side to Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Cherries sitting seventh but only three points clear of their opponents.

Andoni Iraola has warned Bournemouth to expect a tough test at Old Trafford.

PA

Amorim's tenure began with a draw against Ipswich, but since then, United has won four games and lost three, with last weekend's derby triumph over Manchester City followed by a League Cup loss to Tottenham.

"I think they are different," said Iraola, whose side won the corresponding encounter 3-0 last year.

"I believe they play differently, using a distinct strategy and approach to the game. I believe they keep the games more under their control. They have increased their possession of the ball and have excellent patterns.

"If we let them dominate the game and be the team making decisions on the ball, it will be really tough because I believe they are playing very well.

"They concede extremely few opportunities and goals, and they have excellent defensive statistics. They've already experienced this with (Erik) ten Hag this season because they've bought new defenders, good defenders, and they've improved defensively from previous seasons, which I believe will continue."

On Thursday, United struggled defensively against Tottenham, falling down 3-0 before losing 4-3.

"I think they probably deserved more," Iraola remarked. "There were a lot of goals, but I believe they had some great moments. Playing away against Tottenham is always difficult, and I believe they've been composed throughout their games.

"Even when they are losing, they may take a little more risk or open the game up more, like they did in the second half yesterday. I notice how expertly they control the game's moments. "I think it will be difficult for us."

Bournemouth might attempt to exploit a vulnerability in United's set-pieces, since the Red Devils concede frequently from corners, but the Cherries profit from them.

Iraola said, "It's true that they've conceded a lot of goals from set-plays, but I believe they have very good defenders, and many of the goals are very good execution from the opposition."

"I'm hoping that, like we do every week, we can prepare properly for set-plays and be successful. We're not the tallest of the squads. On the contrary, we are a small squad, but I believe we are having some success with our attacking set-plays."