Manchester United take on Southampton at St. Mary’s on Saturday in the early kick-off. New signing Manuel Ugarte is set to be included in the squad for the first time and could make his debut.
The Uruguay international completed his eagerly awaited transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day but was not registered in time to face Liverpool.
As a result, Casemiro had a nightmare against Liverpool and we lost 3-0 at Old Trafford. It makes for a sluggish start to the season but there’s time to turn things around.
Many feel the turnaround must start this weekend because the pressure is bound to rise on Ten Hag otherwise.
Neither Rasmus Hojlund or Luke Shaw will be involved against Southampton, after the duo were ruled by the manager during his pre-match press conference.
Andre Onana will start between the posts behind a back four consisting of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.
Despite heavy criticism sent his way after the defeat to Liverpool, I think the fact Casemiro has spent the past week at Carrington rather than international duty could see him get the nod for this one. He could be joined by Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the pitch.
I don’t think we’ll see any change in attack. Amad Diallo deserves to start but Ten Hag is likely to stick with Marcus Rashford, while Alejandro Garnacho attacks from the opposite flank.
Joshua Zirkzee will lead the forward line.
Predicted Manchester United XI vs Southampton: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford.
If Ten Hag opts for this starting line-up, it presents an opportunity for Casemiro and Rashford to start proving their doubters wrong.
Casemiro may be past it and it’s only a matter of time before he is replaced by Ugarte, but Rashford still has plenty to offer. We just need him reaching peak form soon or else there will be question marks over his future.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
