Just another day supporting Manchester United. It is hard not to make things sound more dramatic than it is but when you are seeing actual conflict between players and staff it is hard to get behind United. However, fans always find a way and this troublesome United side are no longer Ole’s Odd Bunch they are certainly Ralf’s Rabble.
They welcome the visit of Southampton who have caused trouble against United for several seasons now. Apart from the amazing 9-0, United have not had it their own way against the south coast side. It is like they crumble when they face them. However, they have not lost against the side since 2016 but in that time there have been six draws along the way as well as two dramatic winners. This could be a difficult outing.
Southampton Form
If this United side are not the odd bunch anymore then I think Southampton might just take that title. You do not know what Southampton you are going to get. It could be the one that held their own against Manchester City to get a point or the one who came back against Spurs last time out or the one that lost 3-1 to Wolves. All of these games happening in the previous three league games.
It is hard to pinpoint what type of form they are in but you could say they are a side that keep plugging away. Sitting in 10th place, far away from relegation and with an outside to slim chance of making the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Southampton will not be phased about meeting United this weekend even if it is away from home.
Southampton Team News
Ralph Hassenhuttl is without his wide man Nathan Redmond who is out with an ankle injury but could welcome back Tino Livramento who he said was an option to play against United following a meniscus problem.
The obvious dangerman for Southampton is their captain James Ward-Prowse. The midfielder has six goals this season and four assists. Since his goal against Crystal Palace in December he has had a fruitful two months. He has long been a thorn in the side of United over the past few seasons and surprisingly is never mentioned to help with the Manchester United midfield issue and set piece.
Hassenhuttl has set up in a standard 4-4-2 for most of the season and he uses it to good effect. With the pace of Che Adams up front pressuring and the defensive partnership of Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu solidifying, Southampton are looking more a composed unit.
They have all the capabilities of grabbing the win against a sluggish United side who look like they could lose the ball whenever they are pressed. However, it looks more like it will follow the similar story of earlier in the season at St. Mary’s with the points being shared and another David De Gea masterclass to keep United in it.
