Southampton vs. Manchester United – Predicted Starting XIs

Southampton and Manchester United come into their Premier League clash on Saturday in need of a result. The Saints have yet to gain a point, scoring only once, as the Red Devils have lost two in a row, going down with a whimper at home to Liverpool in a 3-0 loss. How will those recent results, combined with the fitness conditions of their key players, affect team selections in the 12.30pm kickoff at St. Mary’s?

Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains in serious doubt after a tame performance at home to Liverpool a fortnight ago and will be desperate to right the wrongs and gain a second victory of the campaign. But the Dutchman may resist making wholesale changes as he takes his Red Devils to the south coast in a huge fixture so early in the season.

Manchester United Team News

Ten Hag needs a result

While Casemiro has had many fabulous days at Real Madrid and has had one or two with United, scoring in the 2023 League Cup Final victory, he’s looked somewhat past his best already this season. This was highlighted when he was unceremoniously substituted at half-time in the defeat at home to Liverpool. Although ten Hag has been protective of new players, like Joshua Zirkzee, he may well be considering new defensive midfielder signing Manuel Ugarte to be among the squad, or perhaps even to start.

Rasmus Hojlund is nearing a return after suffering a pre-season injury against Arsenal, as is Luke Shaw following his absence since the Euro 2024 final for England against Spain. However, Ten Hag confirmed the pair would miss the trip south.

He said: “Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw are progressing very well but not ready.”​​​​​​

Manchester United’s Predicted XI

Casemiro expected to make way for Ugarte

Despite a galling 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag is expected to stick mostly with the same side that crumbled at Old Trafford. One major change is expected to be Casemiro being dropped to the bench to make way for new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, despite playing in South America on Tuesday, is back and available, according to Ten Hag.

The Dutchman said on Ugarte: “Manuel Ugarte, you will have seen he played for Uruguay, he returned this afternoon [Thursday], he was the only player who returned today, the rest yesterday, so he is available for this game.”

Mason Mount is unlikely to travel, having picked up a knock, so his United career continues to stall. The likelihood is that ten Hag will line United up with Mainoo playing behind the front four of Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford and Zirkzee in a bid to get the forwards scoring once more ahead of a busy schedule.

Related

Manchester United forward line: The worst in 30 years?

Martin Hardy has branded Manchester United’s forward line as ‘the worst’ he has seen in 20 or 30 years after the Red Devils started the season poorly under Erik ten Hag.Do you agree with that statement or is that unfair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Southampton Team News

Saints looking for points

Like ten Hag, Southampton manager Russell Martin is under pressure. Having been swept aside at Brentford, Southampton go back to St Mary’s and their newly installed home end, which sees the entire Northam End allocated to home support, who will need to be in good voice to help their side get a much-needed result. New signing Aaron Ramsdale, who is now the club’s highest earner, will make his home debut. With the amount of firepower at United’s disposal, the former Arsenal goalkeeper may be facing a busy afternoon.

After a loan spell in 2023/24, Ryan Fraser returns to St Mary’s on a permanent deal and will be hoping to cause havoc down the flank. Southampton fans are also eager to see Maxwell Cornet make his debut. Having made 26 Premier League appearances for Burnley during the 2021/22 season, the winger did not make as many appearances for West Ham over the following two campaigns combined, so he will have a point to prove.

Southampton Predicted XI

Several possible debuts

Russell Martin could give further debuts to other new signings. Having scored in the recent EFL Cup win at Cardiff, Portuguese midfielder Matheus Fernandes, who signed from Sporting Lisbon is likely to feature, as could Cameron Archer up front.

Aside from the five scored in the cup at Cardiff, goals have been hard to come by, with only one in the league so far. Martin is unlikely to drop Adam Armstrong, but Brereton-Diaz’s place could be at risk given the drought.

Stats via Transfermarkt.