Southampton boss warns players about “top talents” in Man United squad

Southampton manager Russell Martin has warned his players about the “top talents” within Manchester United’s squad ahead of their Premier League clash.

The Reds have encountered a challenging start to the season, with only one Premier League victory in their first three matches.

A 3-0 loss to rivals Liverpool came after a last-minute defeat to Brighton. While the opening win against Fulham showed promise, Erik ten Hag’s team still has plenty of work to do.

Next up comes a clash against Southampton away from home in the first game back after the September international break.

Russell Martin praises Wilcox and top United players

Russell Martin was asked about the pressure that Ten Hag is currently under at Old Trafford after starting the season slowly.

The Southampton boss explained that he would hope to be under similar scrutiny at a top club one day but added that the support from Jason Wilcox will be a boost for the Dutchman.

Wilcox worked at The Saints as football director before joining INEOS’ new-look team at United and was the man who picked Martin to be manager.

“I don’t know him. Obviously, I’ve watched a lot of his team recently to analyse them and understand what can hurt us and how we can try and hurt them,” Martin said in his pre-match press conference.

“But yeah, I hope to be under that level of scrutiny someday in a job like that. Of course, that to be it has to be the aim.

“But I also know he’s working with a guy that I had the pleasure of working with in Jason Wilcox, who will be there and supporting him, I’m sure because he’s a great person.

“I owe him a lot for giving me the opportunity here and the relationship we had, so yeah I’m sure he has a lot of support at that club.”

Finally, Martin warned his players about the “top talent” in United’s squad and stressed that they have to approach the game in the right way.

And they are a team full of top, top talent; really top players that, on their day, can really hurt anyone.

“We have to make sure that we approach the game in our own way, try to be the team at home, and really bring a performance and result that we can be proud of.”

United cannot be complacent

With upcoming Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, some may say that this clash will be the easiest game.

However, we have seen too many times how you can slip up when underestimating a Premier League opponent and United are in no place to be complacent.

Ten Hag is already feeling some external pressure, and United must put in a solid performance to go along with a strong result—and that will mean the team has to be switched on going into the game.

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