(Football news) After an impressive victory against Liverpool, Manchester United will desperately want to keep their momentum and finally get their season started with a win over Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium. The Red Devils are currently 14th on the table while Southampton are 11th, having collected four points from three matches so far. The Saints have been struggling in the Premier League in the last few seasons, hovering just above the relegation zone but have made an impressive start in the league this time around.
In Southampton’s last match, Leicester City’s James Maddison opened the scoring in the 54th minute but a brace by Che Adams helped the Saints secure all three points. Ralph Hasenhuttl's side also progressed into the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening with a 3-0 win over Cambridge United. The club struggled with consistency at the Saint Mary’s Stadium last season, getting only six wins in 19 matches and with games against Manchester United and Chelsea on the horizon, they will look to avoid a repeat of last season's performance. The Saints haven’t defeated Manchester United since January 2016 while their last home victory against the Red Devils was back in 2003.
As for Manchester United, the club are currently on a high after defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford. Moreover, they have announced the signing of Casemiro who was pictured in his first training session this week and could feature in this match. Erik ten Hag will be well aware of the fact that securing six points against Southampton and Leicester City will ease off the pressure from his side before they welcome Arsenal at Old Trafford on September 4th. The club have been heavily linked with Ajax’s Antony in a big money move and it remains to be seen if the Brazilian will be signed before the August 31st deadline.
In team news, Southampton’s Romain Perraud is back in training and available for selection but Valentino Livramento remains a long term absentee. Che Adams is likely to feature in the starting XI alongside Romeo Lavia, Moussa Djenepo, Joe Aribo and Mohamed Salisu. For Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are expected to remain on the bench against Southampton while Casemiro could replace Scott McTominay in the starting XI. Anthony Martial could replace Anthony Elanga while Raphael Varane is expected to partner Lisandro Martinez and Tyler Malacia should keep his left back position. A narrow win for Manchester United seems like a likely result from this fixture.
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