Manchester United return to the spotlight away to Southampton as the early Saturday kick-off. On the back of an outstanding performance at Old Trafford against bitter rivals, Liverpool, Erik ten Hag will hope for similar fortunes against Southampton. The team demonstrated bravery, discipline, energy and drive in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Everything that was lacking in the first two matches.
Big changes were made in leaving out Maguire, Shaw and Ronaldo. But it worked perfectly and so this could be the way United move forward for now while the squad has its limitations. However, the arrival of Casemiro will add more defensive security and allow the rest of our midfielders to play in their preferred positions.
Southampton lost heavily on the opening day against Tottenham and since then have conceded first in their last two league games. However, they have not lost either game! They scored twice from 2-0 down to secure a win over Leeds and Che Adams scored an 81st minute winner against Leicester last weekend.
But for now, all the focus must be on Southampton. Last season, United failed to make their chances count and left St Mary’s with just a point. This time, they will want only three as they look to kick-start their season. Here’s all you need to know:
Southampton vs Manchester United Match Information
Teams: Southampton vs Manchester United
Date: Saturday 27th August 2022
KO Time: 12:30pm GMT
Managers: Ralph Hassenhuttl and Erik ten Hag
Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium
Referee: Andy Madley
Team News:
Southampton:
Ralph Hassenhuttl has only one absentee in Timo Livramento who is a big loss but one Southampton have been and will continue to cope with for a while. Walker-Peters is the likely starter and one linked with a move to Chelsea and United right now. Other than that, Southampton have a fully-fit squad.
Manchester United:
Manchester United will be without Anthony Martial as confirmed by Erik ten Hag in his press conference this afternoon. He said Martial sustained an Achilles injury and he did not know when he would be available to play. Erik also said that the plan was to set up the same way as the team did against Liverpool, hinting that Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Maguire, Shaw and Fred, would remain on the bench.
Casemiro is ready to play for United and could make his debut against Southampton, making way for one of Christian Eriksen or Scott McTominay.
Trio, Brandon Williams, Facundo Pellistri and Victor Lindelof remain sidelined for another match.
Interesting Facts:
- Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet at Saint Mary’s since their back-to-back clean sheets in 2017.
- Manchester United remain unbeaten at St Mary’s since 2003 courtesy of an 88th minute goal from James Beattie.
- Manchester United are yet to win from a goal down since Michael Carrick’s final game as interim manager against Arsenal last year.
Southampton vs Manchester United Predicted XI:
No real surprises here. I only expect one change from the Liverpool game. I expect Casemiro to come in for McTominay but that is by no means a criticism of Scott’s performance as he was excellent. But it gives Casemiro his debut and allows Eriksen and Bruno to break down Southampton from a more advanced position. I think with Martial out, Elanga starts, and the rest of the team stays the same. Given the pace of Adams and the not so dominant aerial threat of Southampton, I think Ten Hag will go for what worked against Liverpool and bring on others if required.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes (c); Sancho, Elanga, Rashford
Predicted Score:
I can see Southampton setting up for a draw and relying on their pace on the counter. They will press United too and see what Liverpool did and clearly what not to do. I think Liverpool’s midfield was the obvious weakness so it’s whether United’s midfield can play out of Southampton’s press and apply their own successfully. It’s a different test but one the confident Reds can match.
United to win 0-2
