Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn MCL, a development that complicates the United States’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

“Tyler is injured. He has torn his MCL. So he will be out, definitely out for some time,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said at his press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Burnley match. “Normally two, three months. Two months … optimistic, pessimistic … three, something like this. So, yes, it’s a big blow. It’s a big blow because it’s an important player for us. But straight away, when you see the mechanism, the action, we were feeling that there could be something there.”

Adams suffered the injury after blocking a shot from Man Utd forward Matheus Cunha and was quickly attended to by medical staff, who ran initial tests on his knee on the pitch. He attempted to return to the match, but Iraola indicated after the game that further tests were needed.

This Premier League season Adams has been in strong form, scoring two goals across 15 matches. He also became the first American to win the Premier League Goal of the Month award for his long-distance effort against Sunderland, which beat goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

A primary starter in USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, Adams could now miss crucial preparation time. The estimated recovery window should still allow him to be available for the World Cup, which the USMNT opens on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay, but it places his involvement in doubt for two high-profile friendlies at home against Belgium and Portugal on March 28 and April 1.

If Adams misses those fixtures, the U.S. will have at most two matches — versus Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 — to reintegrate him into the team ahead of the tournament. Adams has been a regular for the national side since his debut at 18 and captained the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting four games as the team fell to the Netherlands in the Round of 16. His absence would represent a substantial setback to hopes of a deep run in 2026.

Manchester United are preparing an early push to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo when the January transfer window opens. Central to United’s strategy is a release clause in Semenyo’s contract that would make the Ghana international available for £65 million ($87 million). Reports indicate that this clause is only active for the first two weeks of January, creating a narrow window for any suitor.

United’s plan, according to The Telegraph, is to move quickly once the market reopens. Competition is intense: Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all understood to be in the mix for the 25-year-old.

Part of Manchester United’s reasoning is the perceived uncertainty around Manchester City’s ability to offer Semenyo a clear long-term project. Pep Guardiola is described as a huge fan of Semenyo but has been tipped to step down at the end of the season. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, previously an assistant to Guardiola at City, has been touted as a replacement.

That managerial uncertainty could weaken City’s hand. Without confirmation of a settled long-term vision for the player, City’s potential offer may lack the assurances Semenyo and his camp seek. United and other suitors are looking to exploit that hesitancy by trying to strike a deal in the coming weeks.

United have targeted Semenyo before. They submitted a summer bid of £50 million that was rejected by the Cherries, and they were unwilling to meet Bournemouth’s £80 million asking price at that time. With Bournemouth reportedly agreeing to a lower exit price for the first half of the January window, United believe this is an opportunity to revisit the move and finally secure a long-time target.

The situation presents a clear deadline for interested clubs: act early in January or risk losing the chance to trigger the clause and compete for Semenyo’s signature.

Manchester United and Bournemouth played out a relentless 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in a match defined by rapid momentum swings and clinical finishing. United twice led in the first half before Bournemouth rallied after the interval to take a 3-2 lead. United then moved ahead again, only for Junior Kroupi to force an 84th-minute equaliser and ensure the points were shared.

The evening began with United dominant. Diogo Dalot’s cross caused confusion in the box and Amad nodded in the opener. Bournemouth responded through Antoine Semenyo, who cut through hesitant passing on the hosts’ left and finished into the bottom corner. Casemiro restored United’s lead with a late first-half header from a corner.

The second half exposed the space left by an isolated United midfield. Marcus Tavernier exploited that gap, first laying on a chance that Evanilson finished and then scoring himself after a quick counter-attack to give Bournemouth a 3-2 advantage. United hit back quickly: Bruno Fernandes produced a top-corner free kick to level and Matheus Cunha fired United back in front shortly after.

Kroupi’s composed finish amid a cluster of defenders brought Bournemouth level again at 4-4. At the death, Senne Lammens made two superb stoppage-time saves to deny Bournemouth a winner.

Several United performers stood out. Bruno Fernandes was influential in possession and scored from a free kick. Amad received strong marks for his industrious contribution, while Matheus Cunha’s movement caused persistent problems for the visitors. Senne Lammens made important late saves despite being beaten by precise finishes from Semenyo and Evanilson earlier.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had warned his players of the difficulty ahead: “It’s true that we have good memories,” Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola wistfully recalled of his recent trips to Old Trafford ahead of kickoff. “Unfortunately, today is going to be more difficult.” Ahead of the game Amorim told his players, “A change is coming,” but the wholesale tactical shift that had been suggested did not materialise on the night.

The game finished level after eighty-eight minutes of end-to-end action that left both sets of supporters with plenty to digest. Statistically United edged possession and xG but the final scoreline reflected a match of constant openings and exposed defensive moments.