Manchester United expected squad vs Southampton as Rúben Amorim forced to select “very mature” academy star

Rúben Amorim is expected to select a “very mature” Academy star as Manchester United prepare to face Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

Manchester United have kicked off 2025 with renewed optimism after a difficult end to 2024, which saw them lose four consecutive matches across all competitions.

Rúben Amorim’s men signaled a potential turnaround with an impressive 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield, followed by a dramatic FA Cup win over Arsenal, where Altay Bayındır’s penalty shootout heroics proved decisive.

Currently sitting 13th in the league table, United are set to host bottom-placed Southampton on Thursday evening in their first Old Trafford outing of the year. The fixture begins a crucial three-game stretch at home, offering a vital opportunity to gain momentum.

After two weeks of focused training, fans are hopeful the team will start to showcase a more cohesive identity and deliver improved performances as the season unfolds.

Amorim must replace Dalot vs Southampton

The biggest choice Amorim must make for Thursday evening is how he replaces Diogo Dalot in his squad for the Old Trafford fixture.

During United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, the Portuguese international was sent off for two yellow card challenges, leaving the club having to fight with ten men for almost an hour before their win on penalties.

He is set to serve a one-game ban for the offense, but will be available for selection when United play Brighton on the weekend.

Amorim will likely swap Dalot for Academy star Godwill Kukonki, the 16-year-old centre-back who has caught his eye in training since he joined the club.

“He’s 16, but he impressed me a lot,” Amorim said of Kukonki last month. “It’s also a message to the young players that they can be there too. I think he’s ready to handle the demands of the Premier League. He’s very mature.”

Other than this, it’s expected that the remainder of the squad will stay the same.

Although Victor Lindelöf and Luke Shaw are close to returning, no estimate has been given on their exact return date, and they will, therefore, likely not be involved on Thursday evening.

Jonny Evans remains injured, while Mason Mount is not expected back until March 2025, following a hamstring injury last month.

Marcus Rashford has not been involved in a United game in over a month, with his only appearance in a matchday coming as an unused substitute against Newcastle, and it’s expected he will remain uninvolved.

United expected squad vs Southampton

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui, Godwill Kukonki, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen.
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Antony, Amad, Joshua Zirkzee.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.