Manchester United return from the September international break on Saturday lunchtime, travelling to newly-promoted Southampton in the Premier League.

The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the league table after just three matches. A late victory on the opening day against Fulham was followed by an even later defeat at Brighton and a humiliating loss at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool most recently. Erik ten Hag already finds himself under pressure.

A trip to Southampton shouldn’t be too difficult to navigate on paper. The Saints have lost all three of their league matches to date and have scored just once, that strike coming in the 94th minute of their recent 3-1 defeat away at Brentford.

Since Man Utd won this fixture a remarkable 9-0 in February 2021, Southampton have pulled their socks up. The south coast side have drawn three of their last four meetings with the Red Devils. Going back further, Southampton have picked up draws in eight of their last 11 encounters with the 13-time Premier League champions.

Here is 90min’s guide to Southampton vs Man Utd at St. Mary’s this weekend.

Southampton vs Man Utd H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

After being close to full fitness prior to the international break, there is a chance that the duo of Ross Stewart and Kamaldeen Sulemana are named in the squad for Saturday’s clash. Gavin Bazunu is still missing and is unlikely to return until 2025.

Bazunu’s injury was one reason why Aaron Ramsdale was signed late in the window and the former Arsenal stopper made his debut in the defeat to Brentford. Summer signing Yukinari Sugawara scored a stunning consolation goal to open his Southampton account in west London.

Southampton predicted lineup vs Man Utd (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Archer, Brereton Diaz.

Man Utd have struggled with injuries already this term but have several players in line to return shortly after the international break. Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund are nearing full fitness but may not be ready for the trip to St Mary’s this Saturday.

Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are still sidelined with various fitness concerns, but the positive news is that there could be a debut for summer signing Manuel Ugarte who wasn’t registered in time to play Liverpool.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

Man Utd’s performance against Liverpool was deeply concerning but the Red Devils should have fewer issues against a Southampton side yet to earn a Premier League point. Even on the road in the early lunchtime slot, the Red Devils should have little trouble dispatching of Russell Martin’s side.

Southampton’s three-man defence still contains the centre-back partnership that conceded nine to Man Utd several years ago and defensive issues may be a theme of the season for the south coast side.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Man Utd

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