Manchester United expected XI vs Southampton as Rasmus Højlund and Manuel Ugarte decisions made

Erik ten Hag is expected to decide if Manuel Ugarte will make his debut for Manchester United as they face Southampton in the Premier League.

Manchester United have had a rough start to the season, with only one win from their first three Premier League fixtures.

They recently suffered a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, which followed a narrow loss to Brighton. Despite a solid performance in their victory over Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s team has several areas that need improvement.

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The international break has arrived at a crucial time, allowing players to regain full fitness.

This is vital as United prepare for a demanding schedule, with two matches per week once the season picks up again. Their challenging run of fixtures will start with a Saturday clash against Southampton.

As always, André Onana will start in goal, having played every fixture he has been available for under Ten Hag since joining the club in 2023.

In defence, there have been whispers that Luke Shaw may be returning to first-team training after he suffered a calf problem ahead of the opening game of the season. However, even if he is fit, Ten Hag will likely want to ease him in, making Diogo Dalot the apparent choice for left-back.

The centre of defence will see Lisandro Martínez continue, and it is likely that, despite criticism over the international break, new signing Matthijs de Ligt will start his first game away from home for United, with Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.

Manuel Ugarte was announced as United’s latest signing on deadline day, with the No. 25 waving his first hello to Old Trafford ahead of kick-off against Liverpool. Although he did not play, he played 79 and 90 minutes over two games for Uruguay during the international break, showing clear signs that he is fit and ready to play when needed.

However, much like Shaw, Ten Hag will likely want to ease Ugarte into the starting XI, meaning he will likely be named on the bench. Casemiro will partner Kobbie Mainoo in midfield at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Joshua Zirkzee will likely start up front with Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role. The new Dutch striker scored for the Netherlands during his first start for his country last week and impressed. He also had numerous chances against Liverpool the week before.

Rasmus Højlund returned to training ten days ago, but Ten Hag revealed on Thursday that he had already decided that the Southampton clash had come too soon for the player, and so he will not be part of the squad.

The two wing spots are the other positions where there is debate about who starts. On the left wing, Marcus Rashford has had a two-week break after not being selected with England, and Ten Hag continues to put his faith in the 26-year-old, meaning it is unlikely he will be dropped.

On the right wing, Amad Diallo has been one of United’s best-performing players recently, but against Liverpool, he was dropped for Alejandro Garnacho. Although Amad came on and did well, Ten Hag has more apparent trust in Garnacho, meaning he may keep his spot.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martínez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford.

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