Manchester United vs Southampton Preview: Solskjaer’s Reds need to bounce back

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates with Donny Van De Beek, Edinson Cavani and team mates after scoring their side's second goal during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 24, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Manchester United will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Southampton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Reds go into the game on the back of a disappointing 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend whilst the visitors were defeated 1-0 by Aston Villa at St Mary’s.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is widely expected to make changes to his starting eleven to face the Saints with Nemanja Matic, Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial all likely to be recalled.

Its been a miserable week or so for Manchester United.

A 2-1 shock home defeat to Sheffield United followed by a stalemate 0-0 draw with Arsenal has seen the Reds knocked off top spot trailing three points behind arch rivals Manchester City having played a game and with games coming thick and fast over the coming weeks its essential United get back to winning ways should they wish to get their title challenge back on track.

With Manchester City not playing till the Wednesday night, tomorrow’s game gives the Reds a real chance to pile the pressure onto their rivals. Victory against Southampton would take the club level on points with their neighbours and although City will still be expected to beat Burnley, psychologically it could make a real difference knowing that they should drop points at Turf Moor, United will be right on their tails.

Southampton are always a tough team to beat and Tuesday night will be no different. The Saints are a real threat going forward with Danny Ings, Theo Walcott and co at the helm and the Reds defence will have to be on top form should they wish to keep the Saints at bay.

This is a game in which an early goal could make all the difference. Confidence at the club isnt high at the moment following last weeks poor results and an early goal would go a long way to calming the nerves and lifting the mood and although Southampton are a strong side under Ralph Hasenhuttl this is a game I do expect United to win.

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