Game Week 4 Predictions: United to get ticking against Southampton

Manchester United vs. Southampton preview: Both managers under pressure to deliver in this crucial Premier League clash at St. Mary's Stadium.

 

Manchester United cannot afford to drop points against Southampton, will they find their groove at St. Mary's? (Photo credit: Opta)

Southampton vs. Manchester United

St. Mary’s Stadium

12:30pm

Manchester United travels to London in the early kickoff game of the Premier League return this weekend, and it’s a game that will underline where the club hierarchy stands in regards to Erik Ten Hag.

The Red Devils have lost two of their opening three games of the season, and, as things stand, only a win will sway fans’ support for the Dutch manager. With many losing faith in him with each passing game, he must deliver at St. Mary's.

It doesn’t help the Manchester United manager that Southampton must also start getting points on the board after losing their opening three games on their return to the top flight. Russell Martin is under pressure to impress too; this won’t be easy for either side.

Southampton has been here and there with their performances; they were quite unlucky in their opening day game at Newcastle; they had a man advantage and couldn’t get past the Newcastle defense, not for lack of effort but because they must improve the quality of their finishing.

With Casemiro struggling to find his form, Manuel Ugarte is the new kid in town. Will he have the positional awareness to help Kobbie Mainoo thrive in the middle of the park?

Returning with three at the back should help the Saints stay compact, but they could rely on counterattacks to hurt United. The two sides will initially play cautiously, but as the minutes pass, they will open up.

The Saints expect Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz to lead the line; the latter, who impressed for Sheffield last season, could be crucial to Southampton's survival this season as they fight to stay up.

Joshua Zirkzee was relatively anonymous against Liverpool; he did have a couple of chances, but he must do better to impose himself on the team. Rasmus Hojlund’s injury means Zirkzee will return upfront; this is a game he must take by the scruff of the neck.

All eyes will be on Manchester United's defensive formation. Mathijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez will hope to keep a clean sheet in this game; they need it for their confidence. For many reasons, it's a game to relish; will Manchester United avoid the god of banter?

Verdict: United to win.