Southampton vs. Manchester United: Preview, Expected XI and Prediction
Manchester United are back in action this Saturday (September 14) when they face Southampton at St Mary's. An international break came just at the right time for Erik ten Hag's Reds after a dismal 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool. Can they put that devastating defeat behind them and get all three points against the Saints?
The expectation is most definitely given Manchester United's record against the Hampshire outfit. Fans will recall a record-equalling 9-0 demolition at Old Trafford in February 2021. This matched their own previous record win against Ipswich Town in 1995 and Leicester City's destruction of the sorry Saints five years ago.
Southampton vs. Manchester United Preview
A worrying start to the season has put Ten Hag under pressure once again. His Manchester United side have yet to show improvement from their disappointing 2023-24 Premier League campaign. They beat Fulham 1-0 in their opener but suffered a 2-1 loss to Brighton on the road before their calamitous defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool.
Southampton look set for a relegation-battling season amid a poor start back in the English top flight. Russell Martin's men have lost all three games thus far, conceding five goals and looking tame in front of goal. This has three points for the Red Devils written all over it.
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 15 games across competitions against the Saints. You have to go back to January 2016 for the last time they lost in the fixture which could be a good omen for Ten Hag.
Manchester United Expected XI vs. Southampton
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford
It's difficult to guess Ten Hag's team selections, given that the Dutchman often goes against the fans' desired starting XI. One player the Old Trafford faithful will be eager to see in action is Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.
Ugarte wasn't registered in time for the Liverpool game but is available for the trip to St Mary's. The defensive midfielder played Uruguay's two FIFA World Cup qualifiers during the international break. A debut likely beckons for the ball-winning machine but perhaps Ten Hag will be wary of starting him due to long distance travel.
Matthijs de Ligt will be eager to put a difficult international break with the Netherlands behind him and his manager should back him with a start. He looked solid against Liverpool but made an error while representing the Dutch midweek.
Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw will play no part, with Ten Hag ruling the duo out in his pre-match press conference. That means Diogo Dalot can be expected to continue at left back while Zirkzee plays up top. He was impressive for Oranje with a goal and assist in a 5-2 win over Bosnia.
Southampton vs. Manchester United Prediction
Manchester United have yet to get going this season but should have enough star power to overcome the Saints this weekend. Zirkzee could be among the goals and silence his critics following a wasteful showing against Liverpool.
The Red Devils will need to be wary of Martin's side on the break but the hosts have managed just one goal so far since returning to the Premier League. Ten Hag is in desperate need of a positive result to fan the flames of another speculation-ridden season regarding his future.
Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Manchester United
Where to watch and match details
Match Information: Southampton vs. Manchester United
Location: St Mary's Stadium
When: 14/9/2024
Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT
TV: discovery+ / TNT Sports 1 / TNT Sports Ultimate