Manchester United Set Sights on Saints as Ten Hag Looks for Second Straight Win

Manchester United Set Sights on Saints as Ten Hag Looks for Second Straight Win

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:10 PM
In this article:
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  • Southampton vs Manchester United preview as Ten Hag seeks second successive win
  • Manchester United are looking to build on their impressive win against Liverpool on Monday
  • They take on Southampton at the Saint Marys’, who are from an emphatic 3-0 win over Cambridge United in the EFL Second round
  • The Saints have experienced a draw, win and defeat in their opening three games of the campaign so far

The new league season goes on into its fourth game week which will see Manchester United feature in an early kick-off against Southampton.

Both sides go into the game looking to build on their first wins of the campaign in the previous round, after United saw off Liverpool while the Saints beat Leicester City.

In the same fixture last season, United had to come from behind to force a 1-1 draw against the Saints. Ahead of this encounter, Sports Brief takes a look at possible line ups as well as early team news.

Match Preview

Southampton have been on a worrying decline in the league since they finished in eighth place in the 2016/17 campaign.

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In fact, four of their last five campaigns has seen them finish 17th, 16th, 15th and 15th.

Ralph Hasenhüttl have back to back home games against Manchester United and Chelsea, and in terms of head to head against United, they have not recorded a victory against the Red Devils since January 2016. Both fixtures last term finished in 1-1 draws.

For United, the feel good factor could be back despite suffering two opening defeats against Brighton and Brentford, thanks to the win against Liverpool.

Team News, Southampton

The biggest news for the Saints is the return of Romain Perraud, who is back in training following a groin issue.

Valentino Livramento still remains a long term absentee, but aside from that, the Saints look in great shape as far as their squad is concerned.

Following his brace against Leicester City, Che Adams is likely to be given the nod up front, while the likes of Romeo Lavia, Moussa Djenepo, Mohamed Salisu and Joe Aribo will make their way back into the starting XI after being rested in for the EFL game.

Here is Southampton’s possible starting XI against Man United

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Lavia; Aribo, Elyounoussi, Djenepo; Adams

Team news, Manchester United

For United, their biggest setback is the absence of Anthony Martial, who has once again suffered an injury setback.

The Frenchman, who assisted Marcus Rashford’s goal in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, has suffered an Achilles injury and will miss the trip to Southampton.

Victor Lindelof is the other major absentee as he continues to recover from a knock, while Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams are also on the sidelines.

Ten Hag is expected to make minimal changes to the side that beat Liverpool, although there is a great chance new boy Casemiro could make the squad as the Brazilian has already received his work permit.

Here is how United could line up against the Saints:

de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia; Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford

Authors
Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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Erik Ten Haag