United return to Old Trafford for the first time in 2025, for a Thursday evening clash against bottom-placed Southampton.
After the highs of a thrilling FA Cup victory away at Arsenal and a rousing, spirited away draw at Liverpool, there seems to be a lot more optimism around the place – and Southampton are a team that we really should be beating comfortably.
Let’s not forget though that in the league, United have 1 point out of the last 12. The defeats to Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle breaking unwanted records for Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot will miss Thursday’s Premier League match against Southampton due to suspension following his red card in the FA Cup victory at Arsenal. This marks his first absence of the season.
Manager Ruben Amorim faces a selection decision at left wing-back, with Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui among the options. Toby Collyer, who impressed as a substitute at Arsenal, could also feature against the league’s bottom side.
Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw remain unavailable through injury, while Andre Onana is expected to return in goal despite Altay Bayindir’s strong performance in the cup match. After Joshua Zirkzee’s encouraging cameo against Arsenal, we’re backing him to get the nod over Rasmus Hojlund.
Southampton Team News
Southampton head to Old Trafford following a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Swansea City, where Tyler Dibling scored twice and Kamaldeen Sulemana netted his first goal since returning from a long-term absence.
Manager Ivan Juric made minimal changes for the cup tie, with only Ryan Manning and Mateus Fernandes coming in following the recent 5-0 league defeat to Brentford.
Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart are both ruled out through injury, while Flynn Downes has resumed training after recovering from a thigh problem sustained in December, though his involvement remains uncertain.
Predicted XI
Onana;
Yoro, Maguire, Martinez;
Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia;
Amad, Fernandes;
Zirkzee.
Form Guide
Manchester United All Competitions Form:
L L L D W
Manchester United League Form:
W L L L D
Southampton All Competitions Form:
D L L L W
Southampton League Form:
L D L L L
Prediction
This is a team United simply have to beat convincingly, and will if we play like we have in the last two games.
Let’s not even think of the possibility of a huge upset. United shoud hve trained well, we have a strong team available and we have some confidence after two big results.
Hopefully our strikers can get in amongst the goals too.
Predicted score: Manchester United 4-0 Southampton