Desperate to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, Manchester United lock horns with Southampton at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils are winless in four Premier League games but showed character last time out in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. They followed it up by dumping Arsenal out of the FA Cup, winning 5-4 on penalties at the weekend.
On the other hand, the Saints are rooted at the bottom of the table and have won just once in the entire Premier League campaign so far. However, they swatted away Swansea City 3-0 in the FA Cup third round which should give Ivan Juric’s side some confidence heading into this game.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the key battles on the pitch.
#Bruno Fernandes vs Lesley Ugochukwu
Bruno Fernandes has delivered captain’s performances in back-to-back away games against Liverpool and Arsenal. The Portuguese is finally starting to find some form under Ruben Amorim, adding much-needed calm and composure to his play. He is the hosts’ creator-in-chief and can hurt Southampton from any spot on the pitch.
Thus, it becomes very important for the Saints to keep special attention on Fernandes, and Ivan Juric could use Lesley Ugochukwu to do that job. Competent in the air and strong in tackle, Ugochukwu may try positioning him close to the Man United skipper and intercept the balls that are played to him.
If the young midfielder on loan from Chelsea succeeds in doing his job and tames Fernandes, the Red Devils will struggle to create chances easily in the final third. However, if Fernandes is on song, he can wreak havoc against the basement club.
#Tyler Dibling vs Lisandro Martinez
Tyler Dibling has been Southampton’s best player in an otherwise torrid campaign in the Premier League. It is hard to believe he is only 18, showing great maturity and composure that certainly belies his age. The academy star, who bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Swansea in the FA Cup, is expected to start up front alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Lisandro Martinez should take charge of stopping Dibling from making inroads against Man United. The Argentinean has shown signs of getting back to his old self with strong performances against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Martinez has to be smart and decisive in dealing with the tricky Dibling, who has a great chance of auditioning himself in front of the jam-packed Old Trafford having emerged as a target for the Red Devils.
#Amad Diallo vs Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Amad Diallo has been Man United’s standout performer under Amorim, nailing down a regular spot in the team. The Ivorian came off the bench against Arsenal and dispatched a fantastic penalty in the shootout but is expected to start here. With his unpredictability, dribbling and flair, he can cause the shaky Southampton defence all sorts of problems.
Southampton will aim to stop Diallo from influencing the play for the hosts and the task could be shouldered by Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Starting on the left of a back three, the 22-year-old will relish the prospective battle with Diallo and look to get the better of his adversary with his physicality, power and tough tackling.
All in all, it will be an intriguing battle between two young stars from both teams, trying to make each other’s presence felt.