Match Coverage

Predicted Manchester United XI to face Southampton (Premier League)

Published:

18:45

March 11th 2023

| Last Updated:

18:45

March 11th 2023

Yusuf Haq

Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage

Manchester United got themselves back on track with a 4-1 win over Real Betis on Thursday night, but still have much to do before last Sunday’s result is forgiven.

Hosting bottom-of-the-league Southampton poses a perfect opportunity for Manchester United to make up some of the already poor goal difference that was lost in the 7-0 drubbing at Anfield last Sunday.

United have struggled against teams that press high this season, most of all David de Gea in goal as shown in his horror performance on Thursday, but the Spaniard will undoubtedly keep his place as United’s number one.

Southampton’s press is incredibly disorganised, which might let him off, although he must be wary of his weak near post against James Ward-Prowse, who is chasing David Beckham’s Premier League free-kick record.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka proved a useful offensive substitution on Thursday night, and against the tricky Kamaldeen Sulemana may be preferred over Diogo Dalot despite being weaker in the build-up phase. His improvement at United has been fantastic in recent months.

The rest of the back three in Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw are undroppable players for United, some of their best and most consistent performers. They will not lose their places against the Saints.

Casemiro is a lock-in at the heart of United’s midfield and facing the club he made his United debut against a big performance is expected. It is likely that Fred partners him, Marcel Sabitzer would make a fantastic option but Fred’s greater rhythm with his national teammate will be factored into Ten Hag’s selection choice.

Bruno Fernandes completes the midfield, having bounced back from a poor showing at Anfield with a mesmerising Man of the Match performance against Real Betis.

Facundo Pellistri has shown real promise and created a goal within seconds of entering the field on Thursday night, but as much as he deserves greater opportunity right now it is unrealistic that Ten Hag drops a personal favourite in Antony. The Brazilian scored an impressive goal against Betis and is a player Ten Hag considers critical to the system.

Marcus Rashford’s place in the lineup is a guarantee, and after Wout Weghorst scored his first Old Trafford goal on Sunday he will likely line up as United’s centre forward to complete the team.