Manchester United host Premier League relegation battlers Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday, 12 March. Last Word on Sports tries to put together the Manchester United Predicted Lineup as they aim to get back to winning ways in the league against the Saints.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Southampton
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Sprinting towards Sunday 👊#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/GTX7DZdb7q
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 11, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently
The Red Devils bounced back strongly from the humbling to Liverpool from last week, as they managed to defeat Real Betis in a compelling fashion for that one. Erik ten Hag actually played the same starting lineup against the Spanish side as the one that were embarrassed last weekend in the Premier League.
He appears to have a settled team in mind from the available players. That involves a back-five that prominently features David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw. The midfield trio of Bruno Frernandes-Casemiro-Fred is his most experienced one yet available – while Marcus Rashford is unstoppable in his form. Antony’s improving performances keep his place reserved, while Wout Weghorst keeps starting in Anthony Martial’s absence.
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However, knowing the rapid pace at which games are coming and going, Ten Hag will probably find the urge to make changes in the upcoming game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who replaced Dalot at half-time against Betis and produced a superb effort, should regain a starting place. Harry Maguire could also get game-time against the physical Southampton side, while Alejandro Garnacho is also poised to come in and add more firepower as well as pace to the frontline.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
The loss to Liverpool – which could’ve been a necessary reality check after the Carabao Cup win – was their first since late January and only their second defeat in 2023. This year so far, they’ve won 14 out of their last 19 games. Moreover, their home form has been immaculate and in their last 20 games at Old Trafford across all competitions, the Red Devils have won 18 games.
A major reason behind their domination at home is because of how encouraging Erik ten Hag has been with wanting his players to feed off the energy of the Old Trafford faithful and play their best-attacking football at home. His 4-3-3 system definitely gives them a lot of leverage to bring variety and unpredictability to the attacking front.
He’s allowed the likes of Rashford, Fernandes, and Antony to be more flexible with his movement and positioning – which can cause havoc for the backline. Their smart off-the-ball movement and Bruno’s excellent final deliveries have helped open things up, with Marcus and Antony being in impressive scoring form as of late with their dangerous shooting ability.
Garnacho – hailed as a ‘fearless’ attacker by his manager earlier this season – is still not as refined as his senior attacking stars, but he adds rapid pace movement to his side as well as lots of penetration with his runs. While he can often be hit-and-miss, the Argentine loves taking swipes at the goal – which can sometimes result in magic. Fred and Casemiro have done a lot of defensive work as a midfield pair, but are also given lee-way at Old Trafford to roam forward in advanced positions to get things done.
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Wan-Bissaka and Shaw have both become more expressive with their overlapping runs and impressive crosses, as they’re likely to continue that against Southampton – while Maguire and Martinez aim to maintain a sturdy backline and keep Southampton from troubling the Red Devils with their threatening breaks. With the visitors having found a second wind with a win over Leicester last week, they won’t be fearful of United and aim to capitalize on their weaknesses as Liverpool did to get a result.
The Red Devils have to learn from their mistakes from the previous league game and be much tighter at the back. Moreover, the players also have to put away their chances better and be fearless with their approach to adding another win to their admirable home form.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Ten Hag has confirmed that Christian Eriksen, who suffered a nasty injury earlier this year, will definitely play toward the end of this season. Anthony Martial is back in training but is yet to regain full match fitness and Marcel Sabitzer is a doubt for this too. Donny van de Beek, however, is out for the rest of the season.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford
