Manchester United vs Southampton | Predicted Line-up for the Red Devils

Manchester United vs Southampton, Man United vs Southampton

Manchester United host Southampton this weekend as the Red Devils look to deliver a resurgent performance following an underwhelming draw at Turf Moor earlier this week. Having won only two of their last five Premier League outings, Ralf Rangnick will be keen on securing positive results, hoping the team delivers to expectations, in the fight for a place in the top-four.

Although United remain only a point behind fourth-placed West Ham, the Red Devils remain amongst unfavoured challengers in securing a Champions League spot at the end of the campaign. While the team continues to improve under Rangnick, recent results have encapsulated the squad’s deficiencies in mentality and discipline across the ninety minutes.

Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United vs Southampton — Image obtained via Eurosport

The challenge for a top-four spot is set to grow increasingly ambitious as we move towards the final phase of the campaign. With Arsenal and Tottenham also challenging for the precious 4th spot, the Red Devils will be hoping to find consistency over the coming weeks.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Southampton

While United continue to display improvements in executing Rangnick’s commands, a lack of composure and discipline have impeded their progress. Rangnick’s newly deployed 4-3-3 has proven vital to the team’s positives in possession and defence. However, with results unable to reflect their progress, it remains to be seen if the German tactician succeeds in extracting the most out of the system heading into a pivotal part of the campaign.

Goalkeeper

David de Gea (GK): Amongst the team’s prime performers this season, De Gea is expected to remain between the sticks on Saturday. Although having struggled to keep clean sheets, the Spaniard will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the remainder of the campaign.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Having cemented himself as a vital part of Rangnick’s system, the Manchester United full-back is expected to remain in the starting line-up against Southampton. With the team looking sustainably balanced in the full-back position, Dalot will be keen on maintaining his form over the coming weeks.

Raphael Varane (RCB): United’s most consistent performer in the backline, Varane remains vital to the team’s solidity in defence. He came close to securing his first Premier League goal of the season against Burnley and will be keen on improving his contributions going forward.

Harry Maguire (LCB): Having failed to justify a place in the starting line-up this season, Maguire will be hoping to significantly improve his performances in the upcoming games. The Englishman seems to be the weakest link in the current line-up and will be keen on delivering to expectations heading into a demanding phase of the season.

Harry Maguire, Manchester United vs Southampton — (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Luke Shaw (LB): A reliable presence on the left-flank in recent weeks, Shaw will be keen on continuing to improve his performances over the coming weeks. With Rangnick’s system highly dependent on full-backs, the English defender will be hoping to contribute to the team’s prospects moving forward.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CDM): With many expecting him to improve his overall performances, McTominay will be keen on finding consistency over the coming weeks. Although amongst the most improved performers under Rangnick, the Scotsman will be keen on contributing to the team’s upturn in results over the remainder of the campaign.

Paul Pogba (CM): The Manchester United midfielder returned from injury, but performed reasonably well to retain his place against Southampton. With Fred out of contention for the weekend, Pogba will be hoping to deliver a notable performance on Saturday.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): The team’s most lively presence across the attacking third, Fernandes will be hoping to wear his finishing boots against the Saints. The team need to improve their goal difference and the Portuguese midfielder will be keen on inspiring a change in the discipline over the remainder of the season.

Forwards

Anthony Elanga (RW): With Rashford failing to deliver consistent performances, Elanga will be hoping to regain his spot in the lineup on Saturday. The youngster remains a healthy competitor for a starting spot on the flanks and will be looking to improve the team’s attacking prowess over the coming weeks.

Jadon Sancho (LW): A lively presence across the attacking third, Sancho is likely to play a vital part in improving the team’s goal-scoring statistics over the coming weeks. With the other forwards dependent on his service, the youngster will be keen on delivering consistent performances moving forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): Having been rested against Burnley, Ronaldo is expected to return to the line-up for the Manchester United vs Southampton game. The Portuguese forward is currently enduring a goal-drought and will be keen on improving his contributions over the coming weeks.