By Manchester United travel to face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in a Premier League match that sees both teams desperate for points after disappointing starts to the season.
The lunchtime kickoff, scheduled for 12:30 BST (07:30 ET), pits Erik ten Hag’s 14th-placed United against a Southampton side still searching for their first points since returning to the top flight.
United enter the fixture reeling from a humiliating 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool before the international break. The loss amplified pressure on ten Hag, whose team has managed just one win in their opening three league matches.
Southampton, under new manager Russell Martin, have struggled to adapt to Premier League life, losing all three of their matches and scoring just once — a 94th-minute consolation in their recent 3-1 defeat at Brentford.
Recent history between the clubs suggests a tight encounter. Since United’s infamous 9-0 victory in February 2021, Southampton have proven more resilient, drawing three of their last four meetings with the Red Devils. In fact, eight of the last 11 encounters between these sides have ended in draws.
United’s injury woes continue to be a concern for ten Hag. While Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund are nearing full fitness, they may not be ready for Saturday’s match. Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount remain sidelined. However, summer signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut after missing the Liverpool match due to registration issues.
Southampton’s injury list is shorter, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu the only significant absentee. The Saints could see the return of Ross Stewart and Kamaldeen Sulemana, potentially bolstering their attacking options.
Stuart Attwell will referee the match, with Chris Kavanagh overseeing VAR duties.
Despite their recent struggles, United are favored to win the match. Southampton’s defensive frailties, particularly evident in their three-man backline, could provide opportunities for United’s attackers.
“This is a crucial match for both teams,” said football analyst John Smith. “United need to bounce back quickly to keep their top-four aspirations alive, while Southampton are desperate to prove they belong in the Premier League.”
The match also represents a chance for United’s under-fire players to regain some confidence. Captain Bruno Fernandes, speaking to club media, said, “We know we’ve let the fans down, but we’re determined to put things right, starting with Southampton.”
As both teams seek to turn their seasons around, this early-season encounter could prove pivotal in shaping their respective campaigns.
Predicted lineups:
Southampton (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Archer, Brereton Diaz.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
The match kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday, with live coverage available on various platforms worldwide.
