Manchester United travel down to Southampton in the early kick-off on Saturday as the Premier League returns after the autumn international break.
Erik ten Hag’s side are under plenty of pressure as the league campaign resumes, with the Dutchman’s future called into question after a 3-0 loss to Liverpool last time out.
A convincing win over the Saints would ease some of the pressure on ten Hag, though a loss would likely see him face perhaps the most intense pressure of his tenure to date.
And while the result is the most important thing, the performance will be viewed with almost equal interest among fans and the United hierarchy as questions continue over the Dutchman’s style of play.
Russell Martin is already under some pressure after three straight losses to open the season, though a loss to United is unlikely to be viewed as a deal-breaker this early into the season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
When is Southampton vs Manchester United?
Southampton vs Manchester United kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 14 September at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
Southampton vs Manchester United TV channel and how to watch
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11am. Subscribers will also be able to watch via Discovery+ online and on the app.
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Team News
Southampton are without keeper Gavin Bazunu and forward Kamaldeen Sulemana but Ben Brereton Diaz is available having come out of international duty relatively unscathed. After a long spell on the sidelines Scotland striker Ross Stewart is close to a return and could make the matchday squad, along with new arrivals Maxwel Cornet and Ryan Fraser.
Manuel Ugarte is available for selection despite only coming back from South America on Thursday but Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund will miss out again. Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Mason Mount remain on the sidelines but Bruno Fernandes is fit despite picking up a minor knock in Portugal’s Nations League win over Scotland.
Predicted lineups
Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Smallbone, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Armstrong, Brereton Díaz.
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
Odds
Southampton 3/1
Draw 21/10
Man United 8/13
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Prediction
It is difficult to predict the result of any United match these days, but ten Hag’s should certainly have too much for a newly promoted side – if they don’t, the speculation over the Dutchman’s future will only continue to escalate. The Saints have had a poor start to the season, and United will have the quality to get the three points on the day. Southampton 1-3 Manchester United.
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