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Report: Manchester United draw 1-1 with Southampton; Daniel James on the scoresheet for the third time this season

31 August 2019 by

Manchester United failed to return to winning ways against Southampton with a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon. Welshman Daniel James opened the scoring for United just ten minutes into the match with a sublime effort on goal. Jannik Vestergaard equalised in the second half before Kevin Danso was sent off.

Southampton started well, on the front foot from the start of the match, pushing United back into their own half. United then got a break with Daniel James using his pace on the left, playing in a cross, which was deflected into Marcus Rashford which was blocked by Jannik Vestergaard, whose reading of the game was great.

United saw a lot of pressure from the Saints with a few awkward moments for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. In the sixth minute, Kevin Danso broke on the left but Aaron Wan-Bissaka covered well by David De Gea had to rush off his line to make a block to deny Southampton from getting anything in that attack.

Two minutes later, De Gea was tested after Sofiane Boufal and Che Adams played a one-two 25-yards from goal. Boufal then flashed a low drive inches past De Gea’s right-hand post. Boufal then had a shot on goal a minute later after the ball dropped invitingly on the left but his volley was off target. Perhaps maybe a let–off for United.

United then took the lead in the tenth minute of the match, Scott McTominay rolled the ball out fo James on the left with the Wales forward moving the ball towards the penalty area before launching his shot on goal which rocketed into the top right-hand corner putting United 1-0 up. What a start to the season for the 21-year-old.

In the 15th minute, after a bright start from the Saints, United had started to edge ahead in terms of taking control of the game. Just two minutes later, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s pass went astray after Boufal made a good run in between United’s defenders. The home fans then groaned as it could have been an opportunity to level the score.

McTominay created something in the 19th minute of the match, lofting the ball into the box, picking out Wan-Bissaka, whose volley was fired over the crossbar. The flag was up for offside though, so it would not have counted. Danso was booked for hauling back Andreas Pereira in the 20th minute as the midfielder got past the left-back.

Two minutes later, James had another shot on goal, giving the Saints no warning. He unleashed his shot from the edge of the box which forced Angus Gunn to put the powerful strike to safety. United on fire at the minute, treating Southampton how they treated them at the start of the match. United seemed determined to win this match.

United continued to push halfway through the first half of the match, seemingly searching for that second goal, which did not look too far away. In the 28th minute, Rashford broke down the right, whose dangerous cutback was booked behind for a corner by James Ward-Prowse. From the corner, Rashford has an opportunity to double the lead, heading wide. It would have been offside though.

De Gea showed his impeccable goalkeeping in the 30th minute after he claimed Ward-Prowse’s curling cross at the near post. Four minutes later, the Saints started to play a better brand of football, keeping possession giving them something to start with to get back into the game. An equaliser did not seem to be forthcoming though.

Danny Ings has a shot on goal in the 35th minute, aiming to catch De Gea out with a shot from distance but the forward dragged his effort well wide of the target. In the 37th minute, Boufal cut inside the box by McTominay was there to make a vital block of the goal bound effort. Ings then tried to take on Victor Lindelof, the Swede mopped up easily.

Five minutes from the end of the half, Harry Maguire was booked for a tackle on Adams. Despite the booking, Maguire put in a good display of defending against Adams near the byline, forcing the forward to mess up his cross, which ended up behind for a goal kick. The England defender is a calm and composed player at the back, just what United needed.

Two minutes were played at the end of the first half with it ending with United still in the lead. There were no changes at the start of the second half for either team. United won an early free-kick on the right by Ashley Young;’s delivery was poor and Gunn caught the effort in the six-yard box. United would need to do much better to double their lead.

Vestergaard dispossessed Rashford on the halfway line with a good tackle, something which seemed to be delightful for the home fans in the stadium. United that had a chance in the box through Rashford, with the goalkeeper denying him and Rashford sending the ball out of play. However, United won a corner, which came to nothing.

Southampton defended well against United in the early stages of the second half. United had another opportunity with Pereira rushing into the area, however, he did not get connection to the ball with a miskick eventually getting the cross in but the Saints cleared the danger. At the other end of the pitch, Adams had a chance which was not taken well.

Southampton equalised in the 58th minute of the match through Vestergaard with a header, beating De Gea seconds after the goalkeeper made a save to deny the South Coast club from scoring. United need to get themselves back in the game quickly. Southampton made their first change with Shane Long replacing Che Adams.

In the 63rd minute of the match, Boufal got free on the left before standing the ball up to the far post which forced Young to make a desperate clearance behind for a corner. United cleared the danger from the corner. Jesse Lingard was warming up for United in the 65th minute with Solskjaer needing to make a change to get back on top.

Southampton seemed to be inspired by their equaliser, really raising their game in this half. Nemanja Matic and Lingard replaced Pereira and Mata in the 68th minute of the match. Southampton made their second change with Stuart Armstrong replacing Boufal in the 71st minute of the match. United still needed to get stuck into the game.

Danso was sent off in the 73rd minute of the game for a foul on McTominay, his second booking of the game. Southampton were down to ten men. United needed to capitalise from that. As Solskjaer has stated that Mason Greenwood was such a natural finisher, the fact he was not the first player off the bench leaves me with some questions.

United had a chance to get back in front in the 75th minute with James’s stinging strike which was unfortunately saved by Gunn. The Saints made their final change with Maya Yoshida replacing Danny Ings in the 77th minute of the match. Just under 15 minutes were left for United to get something from this game. A victory is vital here.

Wan-Bissaka got some involvement in the game in the 79th minute, flashing an inviting ball across the box by Rashford was on his heels in the middle, unable to reach the ball. Solskjaer made his final change of the match with Greenwood replacing McTominay in the 82nd minute of the match. Could he help get United back in front?

United had an opportunity to go in front in the 83rd minute after a level through pass from Paul Pogba, which sent Rashford through on goal. It was a tight angle and the final shot was kept out of the net by Gunn’s legs. Jesse Lingard was blocked with a chance in the 85th minute from 25-yards. United were throwing everything at this match now.

There was a penalty claim in the 86th minute which was not given after Greenwood went down in the box. United would need to find another way to get the better of this Southampton side. Lingard had another chance on goal, shooting wide of the target in the 87th minute. United were putting a lot of energy into attacking, needing better finishing.

Young had the chance to put United ahead but his curled effort flashed wide of the target. United needed to do much better with their finishing against the Saints. Four minutes were added at the end of the half, giving United some time to find the winner, which they have done late in the game time and time again in the past. Could they do it now?

It was wave after wave of attack from United. Southampton were dealing with the pressure well. They were refusing to buckle under the pressure. Young was booked in the final minute of added time after James burst past Cedric Soares on the left. Southampton had nine players on the pitch with Cedric unable to continue.

It was 1-1 at the end of the game and Solskjaer has two weeks to get back to the drawing board and find a way for United to win their matches. Despite having many chances, the finishing was poor and the team lacks creativity. To give youth a chance would be one way, bringing in Angel Gomes and the likes of Greenwood and Tahith Chong, also James Garner.

United will face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday 14 September 2019, a traditional 15:00 BST kickoff. By then, after the international break, with the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa League also starting for United, the manager will need to have them firing or face another turbulent season with nothing to look forward to other than the end of the season.

Goals: Jannik Vestergaard 58′; Daniel James 10′

Assists: Kevin Danso 58′; Scott McTominay 10′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; McTominay (Greenwood 82′), Pogba; Pereira (Lingard 68′), Mata (Matic 68′), James; Rashford

Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Rojo, Tuanzebe; Chong

Bookings: Kevin Danso 20′, 73 s/o, Stuart Armstrong 90+6; Harry Maguire 40′, Ashley Young 90+4′

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed Starting XI: Rashford leads the line against Southampton; Pereira, Mata, and James also start; Chong and Greenwood on the bench

31 August 2019 by

Manchester United will be seeking a return to winning ways as they head to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League this afternoon. Last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side faced their first defeat of the season, in this game, the players will be expected to hit back and return to winning ways. Can they do it?

After this match, there will be a two-week break in club football because of the first international break of the season. With a good win, there will be some positivity before the next match on the 14 September when they welcome Leicester City to the Theatre of Dreams. Solskjaer will be looking for a reaction after a poor display against Crystal Palace.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young;

McTominay, Pogba;

Pereira, Mata, James;

Rashford

Substitutes:

Romero; Rojo, Tuanzebe; Lingard, Matic, Chong; Greenwood

Southampton:

Gunn;

Soares, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Danso;

Højbjerg, Romeu;

Boufal, Ward-Prowse;

Ings, Adams

Substitutes:

McCarthy; Yoshida, Stephens, Valery; Armstrong; Long, N’Lundulu

United has played Southampton 125 times with United winning 65 matches, drawing 32 and losing 28 times. Southampton last defeated United on the 23 January 2016 in the Premier League, winning 1-0 at Old Trafford. In the last seven meetings, United are undefeated, winning four times, drawing three times. A win is important for United.

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Key Players and Battles: Harry Maguire, Angel Gomes, and Mason Greenwood to be involved in key battles at Southampton

29 August 2019 by

Manchester United will be seeking a return to winning ways as they head to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had their first defeat of the season, which gave a negative reaction from the clubs fanbase, turning on the manager and his record at the club. This fanbase is becoming reactionary in toxic fashion.

This will be the final match before the first international break of the season and Solskjaer needs to get his team to leave the South Coast with all three points. However, Ralph Hasenhüttl has turned negativity into positivity at the club by winning the last two matches, beating Fulham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and Brighton and Hove Albion in the league. It could be a tough match for United. Anything less than a win is not good enough.

United has played Southampton 125 times with United winning 65 matches, drawing 32 and losing 28 times. Southampton last defeated United on the 23 January 2016 in the Premier League, winning 1-0 at Old Trafford. In the last seven meetings, United are undefeated, winning four times, drawing three times. A win is important for United.

Key Players: Both United and Southampton have some quality players in their squads but it all depends on how they perform during the match as to whether they will perform, for United anyway!

Manchester United: David De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James

Southampton: Angus Gunn, Cédric Soares, Maya Yoshida, Jannik Vestergaard, Shane Long, Danny Ings, Ché Adams, Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse

Key Battles: Harry Maguire, Angel Gomes, and Mason Greenwood to battle against Danny Ings, Oriol Romeu, and Ryan Bertrand

Harry Maguire v Danny Ings

The central defender, despite an error against Wolverhampton Wanderers, has helped the club strengthen the defence, which was needed this summer. Three matches into his United career, the 26-year-old has done a lot for the club already. He is a strong tackler, winning 100% of tackles this season. He has made six interceptions, 16 clearance, nine of which have been headed. He has recovered the ball 16 times, also winning 17 duels, losing four of them.

Danny Ings, who has scored twice for Southampton this season, could have problems against the England defender, who will be looking to do his bit at St Mary’s on Saturday. Maguire will only become better at United. He’s a full international now and playing European football will be an experience for him this season, as will playing in a youthful team and being the more experienced head. Ings may need to be at the top of his game to get the better of this Englishman.

Angel Gomes v Oriol Romeu

Angel Gomes will be 19 on Saturday. What better way to celebrate his birthday than to start a Premier League match for United against Southampton? United are crying out for creativity in the midfield this season and Gomes can bring that. Hie small frame will see him use his skill and pace to get the better of his opposition, which he has done many times at U18, U19 and U23 level during his career at the club.

Having made his debut under Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2016/17 season, Gomes has not really played many minutes since and Solskjaer will need to change that, taking risks, which is the way Sir Alex Ferguson did things. Oriol Romeu is a defensive-minded midfielder for Southampton. He may not be tasked to mark Gomes, if he plays a part in the game, however, he may need to if he starts to produce for his club. Given time, he will do just that.

Mason Greenwood v Ryan Bertrand

The 17-year-old forward has been great at all levels in the United youth system. Having not played football ay U23 level this season, it is clear that Mason Greenwood is considered to be good enough for a place in the first team. Sir Matt Busby once said ‘if they are good enough, they are old enough’, which was a sign of the trust in youth that the manager had. Solskjaer seems to have a similar approach, although Greenwood has only played 39 minutes of football this season, in three appearances, it is clear he is in the plans of the manager.

With Anthony Martial out of action and the fact that Alexis Sanchez is now a confirmed Inter Milan player for the 2019/20 season, it is a clear indication for Greenwood to be given the chance from the start of the match like he was against Cardiff City in the final Premier League match last season. It could have been a great match for him if his shots were through on goal. However, he will have learned from that experience and will use it to get the better of his next opponent. Ryan Bertrand, Southampton’s left-back, could have his work cut out with the quick-footed teenager who has the killer instinct of a natural striker.

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Key Battles, Managers, News, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Opposition Scouting: Southampton licking their lips at Manchester United visit having positivity behind them after back to back wins

29 August 2019 by

Southampton will welcome Manchester United to St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon in the first Premier League fixture of the weekend, an early kickoff for both teams. Southampton did not start their season well with two defeats in their opening matches, losing 3-0 away to Burnley and 2-1 at home to Liverpool. However, negativity turned to positivity recently for the Saints, which will boost them for this match.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl will be seeking to continue the positivity after victories over Brighton and Hove Albion (2-0) and Fulham (1-0). Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also be seeking to return to winning ways after last seasons poor performances reared their ugly head once again with some United supporters talking about Solskjaer’s record, suggesting that he should be sacked. It will be a long, tough season on Twitter!

Manager: Ralph Hasenhüttl

The 52-year-old Austrian has a long career in the game as a player, playing in Austria, Belgium, and Germany before retiring and becoming a manager. His final club was Bayern Munich II, ending his career at the end of the 2002/03 season. Hasenhüttl made eight appearances for his country also, scoring three goals. In 2007, he took his first management role at SpVgg Unterhaching in Germany, spending three years at the club before moving to VfR Aalen in 2011, staying for two years.

From 2016 to 2018, Hasenhüttl managed Ingolstadt 04 before spending two years at RB Leipzig. In December 2018, the 52-year-old became the permanent Southampton manager where he succeeded Mark Hughes. Southampton were a relegation contender at the time he took over and on the 27 April 2019, after a 3-3 draw against Bournemouth at St Mary’s, Hasenhüttl managed to secure his clubs Premier League status. They ended the season in 16th place. This season, Southampton will need to do so much better.

Tactics: The South Coast club has played in the 4-2-2-2 formation recently, both time heeding victories for the club. Will Hasenhüttl stick with this formation against United, or change it to 3-4-3 to close down the midfield?

In competitive matches this season, Southampton have played in three different formations; 3-4-2-1, 3-4-3, and 4-2-2-2. In the last two matches, which were both wins for the Saints, they played in the latter 4-2-2-2 formation. That might be something Hasenhüttl sticks with as they get ready to face United at St Mary’s, where he will be looking for three wins in his last three matches. Will keeping the same formation show Southampton’s stagnation and predictability? We will soon find out.

If you think about team sticking with the same formation, like United seem to be doing, teams will know how to break them down as it looks like there is no plan B. Hasenhüttl has plans to combat this, hence the use of three different formations this season. It is possible that he will change the formation to take more of a stock of the midfield, relying on the skills and pace of Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond to take United on the counter-attack, something United find it touch to contain.

Form: Southampton lost their first competitive matches this season but have won their last two matches after a positive pre-season. Beating Manchester United will be something they will aim for.

Southampton: WWLLWW (* denotes friendly)

Fulham 1-0 W, Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 W, Liverpool 2-1 L, Burnley 3-0 L, FC Köln 2-0 W*, Feyenoord 3-1 W*

Predicted Starting XI: Southampton to change formation to 3-4-3 in order to stagnate United’s midfield and control the game to win their third match in a row?

Match Prediction: Southampton will be largely positive after winning their last two matches, scoring three goals, conceding none. However, United will be coming off the back of a draw and a defeat, seeking to gain some respect once again. It could be tough.

Southampton 1-2 Manchester United

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How Manchester United look against Southampton; Brandon Williams, Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood to start?

29 August 2019 by

Manchester United will be seeking a return to winning ways as they head to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had their first defeat of the season, which gave a negative reaction from the clubs fanbase, turning on the manager and his record at the club. This fanbase is becoming reactionary in toxic fashion.

This will be the final match before the first international break of the season and Solskjaer needs to get his team to leave the South Coast with all three points. However, Ralph Hasenhüttl has turned negativity into positivity at the club by winning the last two matches, beating Fulham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and Brighton and Hove Albion in the league. It could be a tough match for United. Anything less than a win is not good enough.

United has played Southampton 125 times with United winning 65 matches, drawing 32 and losing 28 times. Southampton last defeated United on the 23 January 2016 in the Premier League, winning 1-0 at Old Trafford. In the last seven meetings, United are undefeated, winning four times, drawing three times. A win is important for United.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

The Spanish goalkeeper made a mistake against Crystal Palace which resulted in the away side sealing their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford last weekend. I don’t think it would be fair to drop the 28-year-old yet but if off the field problems regarding the supposed renewal of his contract are causing problems and he continues to frustrate with mistakes that he really should have overcome by now, then it might be time for Sergio Romero to be granted a chance to bid for the number one spot in the team. However, I think De Gea will find his feet and raise his game. He will need to if he is to be considered Spain’s number one goalkeeper.

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams

Three matches played this season, one clean sheet and three conceded goals will mean that United need to solve defensive problems before they face the tougher teams such as Liverpool and Manchester City. With Luke Shaw on the sidelines through injury, Ashley Young will most likely start but it did not work last season. In which case, 18-year-old Brandon Williams should be called into the first team as he has been doing well at U23 level. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been called into the England squad for the first time, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will all keep their places in the team for the visit to Southampton.

Midfield Three: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Angel Gomes

The 4-2-3-1 formation has not worked out for United this season, taking into account that the draw against Wolves and the defeat to Crystal Palace and United not looking the best team on the pitch, despite their domination of the ball. Playing three midfielders is best for now, in a 4-3-3 formation. Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba should keep their places with the addition of Angel Gomes, who really should have started ahead of Jesse Lingard last weekend. Hard work and creativity will be the key in this formation, of which all three players are capable of.

Attacking Midfield: Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James

Solskjaer needs to change the formation of his team if he wants to get them firing in the goals. Reverting back to the 4-3-3 formation is best for now. Mason Greenwood should start on the right-wing for United with Daniel James playing in his favoured left-wing with Marcus Rashford playing as the striker with Anthony Martial on the sidelines through injury. There is a lot of pace here and goals will be coming if the creativity from the midfield is good enough.

Substitutes: Sergio Romero; Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe; Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Fred; Tahith Chong

United will need to get the bench right. With Anthony Martial out of action and not other attacking players in the squad, utilising youth will be necessary to fortify the bench. Tahith Chong will be the attacking player to be included. The likes of Sergio Romero, Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Fred should complete the bench for the match against Southampton. Solskjaer will need to have his players ready for the challenge that Southampton will hand to them, otherwise, two weeks of negativity could follow another defeat.

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to give youth their chance against Southampton?

29 August 2019 by

Southampton -v- Manchester United

Premier League

St Mary’s, Southampton

Saturday 31 August 2019, KO 12:30 BST

Referee: Mike Dean Assistants: Darren Cann; Daniel Robathan Fourth Official: Simon Hooper 

VAR: Michael Oliver Assistant VAR: Stephen Child

Manchester United will be seeking a return to winning ways as they head to St Mary’s to face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had their first defeat of the season, which gave a negative reaction from the clubs fanbase, turning on the manager and his record at the club. This fanbase is becoming reactionary in toxic fashion.

This will be the final match before the first international break of the season and Solskjaer needs to get his team to leave the South Coast with all three points. However, Ralph Hasenhüttl has turned negativity into positivity at the club by winning the last two matches, beating Fulham 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and Brighton and Hove Albion in the league. It could be a tough match for United. Anything less than a win is not good enough.

Form: United in better form considering last six matches; Southampton with two defeats, United with just one.

Manchester United: LDWWWW (* denotes friendly)

Crystal Palace 2-1 L, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 D, Chelsea 4-0 W, AC Milan 2-2 (5-4 on penalties) W*, Kristiansund 1-0 W*, Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 W*

Southampton: WWLLWW (* denotes friendly)

Fulham 1-0 W, Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 W, Liverpool 2-1 L, Burnley 3-0 L, FC Köln 2-0 W*, Feyenoord 3-1 W*

Top Scorers: United scored six competitive goals so far this season with Southampton scoring nine times, playing one more competitive match than United.

Manchester United: United were unbeaten in pre-season, winning five of their six matches in normal time, the final one on penalties. Solskjaer’s side started the season well with one win, one draw and one defeat. Solskjaer will need to get his team firing again.

Goals: 2 – Anthony Martial, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford

Assists: 2 – Paul Pogba, 1 – Andreas Pereira, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford

United started the 2019/20 season magnificently by beating Frank Lampard’s Chelsea 4-0 at Old Trafford. In their second match, a visit to the Molineux, it was a 1-1 draw against Wolves, better than a 2-1 defeat, as were the last two visits in 2019. Last weekend, a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace ended United’s unbeaten run with the squad needing to do more.

Southampton: The Saints had a pretty good pre-season but started in the Premier League poorly, losing twice, winning once, also winning their opening Carabao Cup fixture. Beating United this weekend will be something the squad will be setting out to do.

Goals: 2 – Danny Ings, 1 – Che Adams, Maya Yoshida, Michael Obafemi, Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Sofiane Boufal

Assists: 1 – Danny Ings, Michael Obafemi, Nathan Redmond, Sofiane Boufal, Stuart Armstrong

Southampton played five times in pre-season, winning four matches, drawing the fifth. However, their start to the Premier League season was left to be desired with a 3-0 defeat away to Burnley and a 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool. A 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend was followed by a 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Fulham.

Team News: Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw out of the visit to Southampton on Saturday. Solskjaer has three other players on the sidelines due to injury. Could youth be his saviour?

Solskjaer will be without both Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial after they both became injured in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend. Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly and Tim Fosu-Mensah are all on the sidelines at this moment in time also. Ashley Young might play at left-back or Solskjaer could call upon youth to fill the void.

Brandon Williams has been playing well at left-back for the U23s and if he is left out of the match against West Ham United on Friday, he could well be in the squad for the visit to Southampton. Also, the likes of Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and James Garner could add some depth to Solskjaer’s new look United squad.

Alexis Sanchez is close to completing his loan spell to Inter Milan this summer with Chris Smalling also on his way to Roma for the season. It is clear that Solskjaer has made changes to this squad, just like he said he would. The likes of Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian could also leave before the European transfer window closes on Monday.

Predicted Starting XI: Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes and Brandon Williams to be called into the squad to face Southampton with injuries to Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw, alongside the lack of creativity Jesse Lingard provides.

Solskjaer probably was not thinking about making too many changes for the fourth match of the season but with the fact that both Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial are both on the sidelines, added to Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot, and Tim Fosu-Mensah, changes will be necessary. Ashley Young will most likely play but calling up Brandon Williams will be much better. The likes of Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood should start.

Match Prediction: Solskjaer will need to ensure victory away to Southampton ahead of the first international break of the season. Tensions will be mounting ahead of South Coast trip though.

United has played Southampton 125 times with United winning 65 matches, drawing 32 and losing 28 times. Southampton last defeated United on the 23 January 2016 in the Premier League, winning 1-0 at Old Trafford. In the last seven meetings, United are undefeated, winning four times, drawing three times. A win is important for United.

Southampton 1-3 Manchester United

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