Manchester United face off against Southampton tomorrow morning as Jose Mourinho prepares for his first top-flight outing at Old Trafford without the villain tag.
The Red Devils are coming off a 3-1 win away to Bournemouth last weekend, thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and new signing Zlatan Ibrahimović. Having gotten straight down to business in the opening match of the campaign, United will be hoping to carry their strong form onto their home turf.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be looking for their first victory of the season having drawn 1-1 with Watford in their first competitive match. New signing Nathan Redmond will enter this fixture full of confidence, having scored the equaliser to grab the Saints a share of the points against the Hornets.
Key Battle – Marouane Fellaini vs Dusan Tadic
Despite the frustration he has caused for Manchester United fans, Belgium international Marouane Fellaini has a big role to play in this team going forward. The midfielder will be key to stopping the supply going to the Saints’ Dusan Tadic when the two sides come together. If he can limit the influence of the Southampton playmaker, it will go a long way to helping United secure another three points.
The Serbian will again be vital to Claude Puel this weekend, having made a strong start to the season against Watford. The new manager has put a lot of faith in the midfielder this season by playing him in a central-role behind the two strikers. Last weekend the 27-year-old created more chances than any other player across the league.
Team News
In the news all United fans want to hear, world record signing Paul Pogba is available for selection and is set to play “some minutes” in this match according to Mourinho. Chris Smalling is set to return having served his suspension for a sending off during last season’s FA Cup final. Jesse Lingard could also make a comeback to the squad, following his minor injury in the Community Shield victory against Leicester City.
Jose Mourinho tells #MUTV Paul Pogba is ready to play "some minutes" against Southampton on Friday night. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/YLgQEXi7gz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 18, 2016
Fullback Ryan Bertrand is set to sit out another game for the Saints, having missed last weekend’s draw with Watford through injury. Captain Jose Fonte, who is a reported target of Manchester United, is in line for a starting spot after returning to full training during this week.
Head-to-head
The pair have come together for a total of 118 matches, with the Red Devils coming out on top on 61 occasions. The two sides have drawn 29 times, which is more games than the Saints have won against United – standing at 28.
Previous meeting
Southampton will be aiming to make it three wins in-a-row at Old Trafford when they travel to Manchester for the rare Saturday morning clash. Charlie Austin made an instant impact for his new side last time out – scoring a late header to hand his team all three points.
Prediction
The way United started their season is no more than Jose Mourinho could have asked for. Winning games like this is a must if the club wants to make Old Trafford the fortress it once was, so United will look to control from the outset and put Puel’s side under relentless pressure.
Southampton have talented midfielders with the ability to pick a defence apart, that is still very much learning about those around them. Even with minimal opportunities, the Saints have the capability to make their chances count.
In the end United should be too strong.
Manchester United 2 Southampton 0
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