Manchester United resume their Premier League duties on Thursday evening when they welcome basement club Southampton at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are heading into this fixture off the back of two very encouraging results, with a 2-2 draw to league leaders Liverpool at Anfield followed by an FA Cup third-round win over Arsenal on penalties last weekend.
Ruben Amorim’s side will be expected to use the results against Liverpool and Arsenal as the launchpad to rocket up the table. They will be overwhelming favourites against Southampton which ranks as one of the worst sides to ever play in the Premier League.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United will be without Diogo Dalot for the visit of Southampton after his red card in the Emirates FA Cup victory at Arsenal.
Centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are still out, while Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are continuing their recovery at Carrington, with both players sidelined of late.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Southampton (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Altay Bayindir was the hero in goal at Arsenal, making several crucial saves and denying Martin Odegaard from the spot in normal time before keeping out Kai Havertz’s tame penalty in the shootout. However, Andre Onana is Man United’s undisputed No.1 and should start against Southampton.
Defence
In front of Onana, Ruben Amorim could make just one change to his back three. Harry Maguire, who has been excellent in recent games for Man United, could make way for young Leny Yoro. If that happens, Matthijs de Ligt should operate as the central centre-back, with Yoro and Lisandro Martinez operating on either side of the Dutchman.
The defensive trio have to be switched on from the first blow of the whistle until the last to help the home side keep a much-needed clean sheet.
Midfield
Academy talent Toby Collyer impressed in his cameo appearance against Arsenal in the FA Cup and is pushing to start here. He could take up a spot in the middle of the park at the expense of fellow academy product Kobbie Mainoo, with Manuel Ugarte partnering the Englishman.
Tyrell Malacia is expected to replace Dalot as the left wing-back, with Noussair Mazraoui a certainty on the opposite flank.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho started on Sunday and assisted Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Arsenal, but Amorim could opt for Amad Diallo to start in attack as he looks to freshen up his squad. Being the captain, Bruno Fernandes is a sure-fix starter and he will be keen to continue his fine form of late.
Joshua Zirkzee, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Arsenal, could get the nod over Rasmus Hojlund to lead the Man United attack. The likes of Antony, Hojlund, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could come off the bench when required.
