Manchester United expected squad vs Southampton with Højlund, Shaw, and Ugarte decisions

Erik ten Hag is expected to select new additions to the squad that faces Southampton as the Manchester United return to the Premier League.

The Reds have had a challenging start to the season, managing only one Premier League win in their first three games.

They suffered a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool and experienced a last-minute loss to Brighton. Although their initial victory over Fulham offered some hope, Erik ten Hag’s squad still has much to improve.

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The international break has come at a good time, allowing several players to edge closer to full fitness.

This break is vital for Ten Hag’s side, as once club football resumes, they will soon be facing two matches per week. They will kick off this busy period with a Saturday fixture against Southampton.

André Onana and Altay Bayındır are expected to continue as the two goalkeepers in the squad, while there has been no confirmed change in the availability of defenders.

Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martínez are all set to resume their places in the side, with those such as Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelöf, yet to return to full fitness.

There is only a minute chance that Luke Shaw may return. He was scheduled to be back after the international break, but there has been no update on his fitness, meaning he likely will not return to the squad in time to play Southampton.

In midfield, United will almost certainly see the introduction of Manuel Ugarte. The 23-year-old was introduced to Old Trafford following his £42 million move from Paris St. Germain ahead of the loss against Liverpool, but due to lack of fitness, was not registered in time to play.

However, he has undergone two weeks of training with the Uruguay national side, which means his fitness will have drastically increased. This means he could get minutes against Southampton as he makes his debut for the club.

There are no other updates surrounding midfielders, so this squad section will likely remain the same as last week with the addition of Ugarte.

In attack, Ten Hag will likely return Rasmus Højlund to the team. After being ruled out for six weeks during pre-season, Højlund returned to individual training two weeks ago and has been gathering his fitness ever since. Although he may not start, his return will be a welcome sight for the Reds.

Man United expected squad vs Southampton

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez.
Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Toby Collyer.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Antony, Rasmus Højlund.

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