Southampton vs Manchester United: Preview

Manchester United will be looking to build on the emphatic display they produced to secure a 2-1 win against Liverpool as they travel to the south coast to take on Southampton in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. The victory on Monday night against our bitter rivals ignited our Premier League season as we move from 19th to 14th in the table. Whilst our opponents have collected four points from their first two league games against Leeds United and Leicester City respectively.

The morale-boosting win against Liverpool came courtesy of goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in front of an electric atmosphere at Old Trafford. Prior to this, United had lost their opening two league games against Brighton and Brentford. The feel-good factor is now back after the Red Devils put in their best performance that had not been seen in a long time.

Erik Ten Hag will be looking to see his side build on this with another victory this weekend. We could see the debut of our latest signing Casemiro, who was unveiled in front of the Old Trafford faithful on Monday night.

United have back-to-back away games against Southampton and Leicester City before we return to Old Trafford for the clash against Arsenal on September 4th. We will then take on Crystal Palace and Leeds United in our final two league fixtures before the international break commences.

The Red Devils have made four signings so far in the summer transfer window. However, it is possible that more additions will be added to the squad before deadline day. It is rumored that Ajax’s Antony is one of the prime targets alongside bringing in a new right back and goalkeeper.

Manchester United Team News

For United; Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw were on the bench for the Liverpool game. It is likely to be the case when we head to Southampton. Anthony Martial impressed when he came on at the start of the second half against Liverpool. He could replace Anthony Elanga in the starting eleven.

Casemiro is all set to make his debut for the club. He could come straight into the side at the expense of Scott McTominany. Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia are likely to remain in the defence after putting in strong performances against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

On the injury front, Facundo Pellistri remains out whilst Brandon Williams and Victor Lindelof are doubts for the game.

Manchester United’s Predicted Lineup

De Gea; Dalot, Varane, L Martinez, Malacia; Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Martial and Rashford.

Opposition Preview

Since finishing in eighth place in the 2016/17 Premier League season; subsequent seasons have seen the Saints being close to the relegation zone having finished 17th, 16th, 15th, and 15th in the last four of five seasons.

Southampton have made a good start to their league campaign with an opening day 2-2 draw against Leeds United. This was followed up by a 2-1 win against Leicester City in their last game. Leicester’s James Maddison had put them ahead but Che Adams came off the bench to score twice; securing all three points. They were also victorious in the League Cup on Tuesday. Having secured a 3-0 win against Cambridge United to advance into the third round of the competition.

The Saints now have back-to-back home games against United and Chelsea. However, they struggled in their home form last season; they only won six of their 19 games picking up 25 points. Last season saw both the home and away games finished in 1-1 draws.

Southampton Team News

For our opponents, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said Romain Perraud is now back in training. He could feature against United but it is likely to be starting on the bench. Valentino Livramento remains out with a long-term injury. Other than that; Hasenhuttl has a strong side to choose from and is likely to be the same side that played against Leicester City.

Che Adams is likely to come into the starting eleven after scoring two goals from the bench against Leicester. Romeo Lavia, Moussa Djenepo, Joe Aribo, and Mohamed Salisu are set to be in the starting eleven after their win against Cambridge in the League Cup.

Form Guide

Manchester United Premier League form: LLW

Southampton Premier League form: DW

Southampton form (all competitions): DWW

Prediction

Southampton will be buoyed by the start they made in their opening two league games. However, United’s victory against Liverpool will have done so much for the players in terms of their confidence. They will want to showcase that performance again against the Saints.

Southampton 1-3 Manchester United