Southampton vs Manchester United: The Preview

Manchester United will look to bounce back to winning ways after the international break when they head down to the south coast in the Saturday lunchtime kick off against Southampton. Both sides last met in the Premier League back in March 2023 when they played out a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

After losing two of our opening three Premier League games, our revival has taken a knock under manager Erik Ten Hag after he was given the go ahead by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the board to remain in position. Following our 1-0 win against Fulham at home, we were defeated 2-1 in the last minute by Brighton.

Prior to the international break, we suffered a 3-0 loss to our bitter rivals Liverpool. Pressure is again on Ten Hag with the Dutchman insisting that noise from the outside world is not bothering him. He said that the season should be judged in May next year and not after only three matches into the season.

The Red Devils will hope they can turn things around in Saturday’s fixture at St Mary’s where they are unbeaten in the last twelve games not losing since August 2003 in a narrow 1-0 defeat. United have only lost one of their last 30 Premier League matches against newly promoted sides. However, our away form recently has only seen one win in six conceding 16 goals in that time making this a tough fixture.

Manchester United Team News

Erik Ten Hag has confirmed that both Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and Luke Shaw (calf) remained out with their respective injuries. Leny Yoro (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Victor Lindelof (toe) and Mason Mount (muscle) are receiving treatment too.

New signing Manuel Ugarte did admit he was not feeling well before playing the full 90 minutes on international duty for Uruguay on Monday. Ten Hag has said he will be available to make his debut against Southampton. This could see Ugarte replace Casemiro in the midfield who did not have the greatest game last Sunday against Liverpool. Captain Bruno Fernandes should be fit after picking up a minor knock during Portugal’s Nations League win over Scotland.

Manchester United Possible Lineup

Onana;

Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot;

Ugarte, Mainoo;

Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford;

Zirkzee.

Opposition Preview

Southampton come back from the international break without a single point from their opening three Premier League games. There were 1-0 defeats to both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest that was followed by a 3-1 loss to Brentford last time out.

Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa scored for the Bees before Yukinari Sugawara hit a consolation goal for the Saints. Russell Martin who won promotion to the top flight via the playoffs is now facing pressure to turn the fortunes of the club around. Media reports suggest if the results do not improve by the end of the month, he could be relieved of his duties.

There are four games to look ahead to with United at home on Saturday. This is followed by games against Everton, Ipswich Town and Bournemouth. The Saints are looking to avoid losing their opening four games in three different league campaigns (previously doing so in 1998-99 and 2012-13).

Southampton Team News

The Saints are without long term absentee Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), so Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal. Kamaldeen Sulemana is also out with an ankle injury. Ben Brereton Diaz was taken off during Chile’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia but this was tactical rather than an issue with his fitness.

He is expected to start in the attack with either Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer. Ross Stewart has just returned to training after being on the sidelines through injury. Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo started in the midfield last time out against Brentford, but Russell Martin may decide to bring in either Mateus Fernandes or Adam Lallana into the first eleven.

Form Guide

Manchester United Premier League form: WLL

Manchester United form (all competitions): WLLWLL

Southampton Premier League form: LLL

Southampton form (all competitions): DDLLWL

Prediction

Both teams are coming back from the international break looking to turn around their fortunes. United will be hoping for a positive result on the road. Three of the last four games have ended in draws. It could be another close game but the Red Devils should have enough to claim victory.

Southampton 1-2 Manchester United