Manchester United have the chance to secure back-to-back victories in the Premier League for the first time since February this weekend as they travel to Southampton.
The long trip to the south coast comes just days after Erik ten Hag registered his first win at the club as goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford gave the Reds three points against Liverpool.
Casemiro, the former Real Madrid star, was unveiled prior to kick-off and Ten Hag has confirmed that the 30-year-old has trained with the team and is available for selection this weekend.
One of the main talking points prior to the game against Liverpool was Ten Hag’s decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
In defence, it’s highly unlikely that Ten Hag makes any changes after the solid outing against Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia in particular were impressive.
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In midfield, United are expected to control proceedings more than against Liverpool and Christian Eriksen’s trial as a defence-minded player was a successful one. Next to him, Casemiro could make his debut to make up a balanced midfield.
Further up the pitch, Sancho and Rashford will keep their places after scoring the decisive goals against Liverpool and Bruno Fernandes should retain his play and the captain’s armband as well.
Anthony Martial’s impressive second-half performance on Monday night came at a cost, with the Frenchman set to sit out this weekend’s game due to injury. Anthony Elanga could take his place – Rashford would then move centrally.
Ronaldo could also be brought back into the fold, which seems like the most realistic solution to Ten Hag’s selection issues right now.
Predicted Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
Instead of Christiano Ronaldo why can’t you start with Anthony martial foward
Ronald sh’d be replaced by martial