Manchester United will hope to continue their smashing start to the new Premier League campaign when they travel to St. Mary’s stadium to face Southampton on Sunday.
The Red Devils, who finished second behind Manchester City last term, showed their title credentials by beating bitter rivals Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford in their season opener. Bruno Fernandes netted an emphatic hat-trick and Paul Pogba supplied no fewer than four assists, starring in the demolition of Leeds in the process.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men registered a 3-1 win over Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly game to prepare well ahead of the trip to Southampton, who had lost 3-2 at home before being hammered 9-0 at Old Trafford last season.
Team News
Raphael Varane, who was unveiled as a Manchester United player in front of the home support minutes before the Leeds United game, has started training with his new teammates. He should be in contention for the upcoming fixture, along with Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo—the duo represented Ivory Coast in the Tokyo Olympics earlier this summer.
Jesse Lingard scored in the practice game against Burnley in the first half, and Phil Jones played the final half-hour of the game as he steps up his recovery after being sidelined for more than 18 months with a knee injury.
On Monday, Edinson Cavani was cleared to start training after he was given an extended break due to his involvement at the Copa America as well as personal reasons.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea had absolutely no chance to stop Luke Ayling’s long-range strike for Leeds last weekend. However, he’ll be determined to keep a clean sheet at Southampton.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was excellent against Leeds and should keep his place at right-back in the Man United lineup.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are vital components in the Reds’ defence and will likely start on Sunday. Victor Lindelof played very well too on the opening day and possibly will retain his place alongside Maguire at the back, meaning Raphael Varane may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Midfield
While Fred and Scott McTominay bossed the midfield against Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites, Solskjaer could freshen up things on Sunday and go with a double-pivot of Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek—the duo started the practice game against Burnley on Tuesday and did well.
Bruno Fernandes is an undisputed starter in the no.10 role for United, and following his opening day hat-trick, he’ll be raring to get himself on the scoresheet again on Sunday.
Attack
Just like Fernandes, Paul Pogba was excellent too against Leeds, showcasing his exquisite technique and passing range. He’ll keep his place on the left flank in the Man United lineup.
Mason Greenwood led United’s attack so well last weekend and scored a fantastic goal that will see him retain his place in the starting XI, but on the right wing.
On Sunday, Solskjaer could go with Anthony Martial up top in the Man United lineup against Southampton, with the Frenchman scoring and assisting a goal apiece in the practice game on Tuesday.
