There’s no doubt that the stoppage-time win over Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League left more questions than answers for Manchester United. However, the side needed the three points, and they will undoubtedly take it. Now they need to claim a similar result at the Premier League level, where they are coming off two winless games. Jose Mourinho’s men will travel to St. Mary’s Stadium in order to take on a struggling Southampton side.
Read on to find out everything you need to know prior to Saturday’s pivotal contest:
Team News
Alexis Sanchez suffered an “important” hamstring injury, and he’s unlikely to play against for Manchester United in 2018. The defence could be shorthanded as well, since a trio of defenders – Matteo Darmian, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo – missed the Champions League clash against Young Boys due to injuries as well. One player that could return – against his former team, no less – is Luke Shaw, who missed the draw against Crystal Palace last week due to a suspension.
Meanwhile, Southampton won’t have Danny Ings due to a hamstring problem, while Shane Long has been dealing with an ankle injury and could be out as well. Ryan Bertrand is doubtful due to a back issue, and he will likely be a game-time decision.
Form guide
Manchester United haven’t been able to hit top gear at the league level this season, and remain in the middle of the standings. Their recent results haven’t helped them either, as The Red Devils have not won in their past two league outings. They lost 1-3 against Manchester City, and played out a boring goalless draw at home against Crystal Palace last week. Through the first 13 league matches, Manchester United sit in 7th place with 21 points. However, they are six points behind a potential Top 4 spot.
On the other hand, Southampton sit in the red zone and would get relegated to the Championship if the league ended today. The Saints sit in 18th place with only eight points, and haven’t won in their past five league matches (D3, L2). In fact, they only register one win in the entire league campaign. It came in early September, when they defeated Crystal Palace by a 2-0 score. The Saints are one of two teams that are yet to win at home this term, where they own a D4, L2 mark.
What is our all-time record against Southampton?
The Red Devils have faced Southampton 123 times dating all the way back to 1897. Manchester United hold a clear edge on the all-time H2H record, with 64 wins, 31 draws and only 28 losses. The most-recent trip to St. Mary’s ended with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Romelu Lukaku.
Prediction
Manchester United might be a bit inconsistent, but there’s no question that they’re the superior team. They shouldn’t have problems to take home the three points, starting December on a strong note.
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