Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford remains in serious doubt after a tame performance at home to Liverpool a fortnight ago and will be desperate to right the wrongs and gain a second victory of the campaign. But the Dutchman may resist making wholesale changes as he takes his Red Devils to the south coast in a huge fixture so early in the season.
10 managers could be in contention to replace Erik ten Hag if Manchester United decide to replace their Dutch boss in the near future.
Manchester United Team News
Ten Hag needs a result.
While Casemiro has had many fabulous days at Real Madrid and has had one or two with United, scoring in the 2023 League Cup Final victory, he's looked somewhat past his best already this season. This was highlighted when he was unceremoniously substituted at halftime in the defeat at home to Liverpool. Although ten Hag has been protective of new players, like Joshua Zirkzee, he may well be considering new defensive midfielder signing Manuel Ugarte to be among the squad, or perhaps even to start.
Rasmus Holland is nearing a return after suffering a pre-season injury against Arsenal, as is Luke Shaw following his absence since the Euro 2024 final for England against Spain. Summer signing Leny Yoro is still working his way back from a foot injury.
Manchester United's Predicted XI
Casemiro expected to make way for Ugarte
Despite a galling 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag is expected to stick mostly with the same side that crumbled at Old Trafford. One major change is expected to be Casemiro being dropped to the bench to make way for new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan faces a race against time to make the match, with only 85 hours between his match against Venezuela and the early Saturday kick-off. Rasmus Hojlund is another that could be included but given his layoff time, Ten Hag is expected to stick with his compatriot Joshua Zirkzee.
Mason Mount is unlikely to travel, having picked up a knock, so his United career continues to stall. The likelihood is that ten Hag will line United up with Mainoo playing behind the front four of Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, and Zirkzee in a bid to get the forwards scoring once more ahead of a busy schedule.
Martin Hardy has branded Manchester United's forward line as ‘the worst’ he has seen in 20 or 30 years after the Red Devils started the season poorly under Erik ten Hag.Do you agree with that statement or is that unfair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Southampton Team News
Saints looking for points
Like ten Hag, Southampton manager Russell Martin is under pressure. Having been swept aside at Brentford, Southampton go back to St Mary's and their newly installed home end, which sees the entire Northam End allocated to home support, who will need to be in good voice to help their side get a much-needed result. New signing Aaron Ramsdale, who is now the club's highest earner, will make his home debut. With the amount of firepower at United's disposal, the former Arsenal goalkeeper may be facing a busy afternoon.
Ryan Fraser has returned to the club and the trickery he can provide out wide makes him a useful acquisition to the squad. Southampton fans would also hope to see the newly signed Maxwell Cornet make his debut. Having made 26 Premier League appearances for Burnley during the 2021/22 season, the winger did not make as many appearances for West Ham over the following two seasons combined, so he will have a point to prove.
Southampton Predicted XI
Several possible debuts
Russell Martin could give further debuts to other new signings. Having scored in the recent EFL Cup win at Cardiff, Portuguese midfielder Matheus Fernandes, who signed from Sporting Lisbon, is likely to feature, as could Cameron Archer up front.
Aside from the five scored in the cup at Cardiff, goals have been hard to come by, with only one in the league so far. Martin is unlikely to drop Adam Armstrong, but Brereton-Diaz's place could be at risk given the drought.
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