Jose Mourinho could not have asked for a better start to the season as they have ticked almost all the boxes in the Premier League. The Red Devils masterly finished the game against Everton as they scored three goals in the last ten minutes of the game to improve the scoreline. Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial have constantly featured on the score sheet and the midfielders have helped them out well. The match against Southampton will still prove to be a stiff challenge for Mourinho as he has the major task of reshuffling and rotating the squad to keep the players fit and fresh for the long season. So, will we see any major changes? Will United compete with the same starting eleven? Here is our take on United’s probable starting eleven:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: David de Gea
The Spaniard has already made some excellent saves for United in the first five matches. De Gea was rested for the Carabao Cup third round match but will return to occupy his rightful place under the bar.
RB: Antonio Valencia
The makeshift captain has been in scintillating form staking his claim as the best right back in the Premier League. He is a dangerous threat from the flanks and uncompromising in defence. If he can continue scoring screamers like the one he did against Everton last week, then United are on the road to achieving something special this season.
CB: Eric Bailly
He will lead the defence against Southampton. He is a good tackler of the ball and a threat in aerial duels.
CB: Phil Jones
Jones has revitalized his career this season by putting in some consistent performances. He has been very good with the ball and negated any attacking threats from the opposition so far. Jones is being rested during the midweek matches to help him get over his injury struggles.
LB: Ashley Young
Young has been impressive ever since his return from injury. He has constantly taken part in attacks and linked up well with both Rashford and Martial on the left flank. He has to improve his defensive game a bit, as Everton were able to find gaps and initiate attacks from his side.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
The Serbian is turning out to be the smartest move of the summer by Mourinho as he has allowed other midfielders to play their natural games as Matic takes care of the defence. His ball recovery skills, as well as regular interceptions, have allowed United to counterattack frequently.
CDM: Ander Herrera
Herrera might get the nod ahead of Fellaini due to his energetic running and tenacity. The Spaniard links up the defence with attack courtesy to his intelligent runs and accurate passing. However, Mourinho’s preference for Fellaini makes it a difficult position to choose a player.
RW: Juan Mata
By no means, is Mata an out and out winger. However, his tactical awareness as well as the constant urge to take part in attacking moves makes him irreplaceable in the team. In the absence of Pogba, Mata brings in a great amount of creativity into the final third. He helps Lukaku by making some wonderful deliveries into the box.
CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian was rested for the League Cup match in hope that is fresh ahead of the clash against Southampton. He partners well with Lukaku and has impressed a lot with his early performances. The former Dortmund star has been directly involved in six goals in the Premier League and will hope to continue his form this weekend.
LW: Anthony Martial
Martial was in superb form against Burton and can book his place ahead of Rashford. Marcus Rashford was disappointing against Everton last weekend and Martial made an immediate impact during his short stay. This strengthens his claim to start the match instead of Lingard or Rashford.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
There was never any doubt regarding the Belgian’s ability to score goals but the questions remained over his mental strength to handle the constant burden of expectations. He has answered his critics in style by regularly featuring on the score sheet.
