Manchester United will be targeting a return to winning ways when they face Southampton at St Mary’s in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
United, who have won just one of their last four meetings with the Saints, will be itching to get back on track after being beaten 3-0 by Liverpool prior to the international break.
The defeat to Arne Slot’s side marked a second successive defeat for the Reds, following their 2-1 reverse at Brighton & Hove Albion eight days earlier. It means they have spent the international break 14th in the table.
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The defeat to Liverpool last time out was a stark reminder of just how much work United have got to put in if they are to finish inside the top four this season. The trip to Southampton is arguably their easiest league fixture between now and the next international break, highlighting the importance of getting three points.
Much of the pre-match focus will surround the possibility of Manuel Ugarte making his debut from the start. He played twice for Uruguay over the international break and Erik ten Hag has confirmed he is in contention.
As ever, Andre Onana is expected to start between the posts and maintain his record of starting every Premier League fixture since the beginning of last season. He will be hoping to add to the clean sheet he earned against Fulham on the opening weekend.
As far as the back four is concerned, it would not be a surprise if Ten Hag deployed the same quartet that started against Liverpool, meaning Matthijs de Ligt could be given the chance to put his Netherlands nightmare behind him. Diogo Dalot is likely to continue at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw, who remains sidelined.
Having played twice for Uruguay over the break, it will be argued that Ugarte is fit enough to start. But having played in Venezuela as recently as Tuesday night, and having done so nursing a fever, he might not have had enough recovery time to be thrown straight in, meaning Ten Hag could be forced to start him on the bench.
Should that be the case, Toby Collyer could make his first Premier League start at the base of the midfield. Casemiro is still an option, but Ten Hag may be reluctant to start him after taking him off at half-time against Liverpool.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are guaranteed to occupy the two other midfield spots available.
In attack, Joshua Zirkzee is likely to keep his place in the centre in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund. Alejandro Garnacho should keep his place, but it remains to be seen if Marcus Rashford or Amad will occupy the opposite wide berth.
On current form, it should be Amad. However, Ten Hag is yet to show any signs of losing patience with Rashford, meaning he could retain his place on the left.
