After a disappointing loss at home to Crystal Palace, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United team play Southampton in the fourth game of the Premier League season on Saturday. The Saints will be upbeat and confident ahead of the game against the Red Devils as they got their first win of the season last weekend against Brighton, and followed it up with a win against Fulham in the League Cup on Tuesday.
United secured a 2-2 draw the last time these two sides met at St. Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League.
SOUTHAMPTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED: 3 KEY BATTLES
Nathan Redmond/Moussa Djenepo vs Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Last week against United, Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha tormented the Manchester United backline, and we could see a repeat of that this Saturday by Saints winger Nathan Redmond. The Englishman is one of the most important players in this Southampton team, with his dribbling, speed, and goalscoring key to his side’s fortunes.
But, Redmond could miss the game against United as he suffered an injury in the League Cup win over Fulham. This could mean that another exciting winger Moussa Djenepo, who was signed by the Saints this season, could come into the team after scoring his first goal in last weekend’s win.
Djenepo could test young United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka with his pace, and him being somewhat of an unknown entity goes in his favour.
Marcus Rashford vs Jannik Vestergaard
Manchester United have injury worries as striker Anthony Martial, who has scored two goals in three Premier League games this season, is going to miss the game due to a thigh injury. This means that Marcus Rashford will most likely start as the main striker against Southampton, and will be United’s biggest goal threat.
Rashford could use his pace and power against Southampton centre back Jannik Vestergaard, who had an average game against Brighton last time around.
Yan Valery vs Ashley Young
Luke Shaw is once again injured and could be out for more than a month. United do not have a natural backup left-back which means that Marcos Rojo or Ashley Young will have to take Shaw’s place in the team, and it seems that Young could get the nod over Rojo, who looks to be completely out of favour.
Young will be up against attacking right-back Yan Valery, who could cause problems for the experienced full-back, with his direct running and crossing, while James Ward-Prowse, who could play on the right-hand side, could also be another worry for Young.
