AFTER three consecutive defeats to start the Premier League campaign, Saints will be hoping to secure their first points against Manchester United.
Russell Martin's side welcome the Red Devils to St Mary's for an early 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday in the first game back after the international break.
The boss has promised changes to his lineup and he has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from - only Kamaldeen Sulemana remains out injured.
Here's everything supporters need to know ahead of Southampton's fourth game of the season...
The Athletic writer Carl Anka told the Daily Echo: “'We have to win all the games. That doesn’t change, that will always be the approach.'”
Those were Erik ten Hag's words in his most recent press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The Dutchman is in an unusual position for a Premier League manager, having won two trophies in two seasons, yet still facing questions over his style of play.
Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break left the club sat in 14th, but it is far too early in the season for any talk of crisis.
Ten Hag is thought to be under no threat of losing his job and remains confident that 2024-25 will be a successful campaign.
United will play seven matches between now and the next international break in October and will want to get a win against Southampton to build positive momentum for the rest of the season.
August 2022 was the last time United visited St Mary’s, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the winner over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
There have been a few personnel changes in the years since, but Ten Hag’s side will likely play in the same way as they did back then.
Fernandes serves as the attacking hub for a team that is most dangerous on the counter-attack but can have difficulty breaking down stubborn defences.
After Liverpool’s 3-0 win, Arne Slot was asked about his game plan and explained that he felt his side were successful by keeping their wingers high and being especially combative in midfield.
New United signing Manuel Ugarte will hope to stop such plans in future.
The 23 year old defensive midfielder was a deadline day signing, and might not start for United on Saturday, given his exploits during the international break with Uruguay.
However, he is a skilled tackler and will help solve a few issues in United’s midfield.
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool - Premier League.
Brighton 2-1 Manchester United - Premier League.
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham - Premier League.
Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United (7-6 pen) - Community Shield.
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool - Friendly.
Team news
As mentioned, former PSG midfielder Ugarte could make his Manchester United debut at St Mary's - but the nature of his travel back from South America could delay things.
Former Saint Luke Shaw will not get a homecoming as he has been ruled out by ten Hag - as has Danish forward Rasmus Højlund.
Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Mason Mount are also currently on the sidelines, while the knock Bruno Fernandes suffered against Scotland is only said to be a minor one.
"Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, they are progressing very well, but are not ready for this game," Ten Hag said at his press conference. "Manuel Ugarte, I think we all have seen he played for Uruguay. He returned this afternoon, he was the only player who returned today.
United captain Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly their key player. The Portuguese, who is idolised by Southampton's own Mateus Fernandes, can win games by himself when at his best - but is yet to provide a goal involvement this season.
Young England international Kobbie Mainoo has an important role to play in this United system and could partner either new boy Ugarte or Casemiro, who was hooked at half-time during United's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Youngsters Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad could provide the goalscoring threat while Marcus Rashford's woes in the final third continue.
Predicted Manchester United team
(4-2-3-1) Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford; Zirkzee.
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