Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Southampton for September 14

Manchester United will open up the post international break Premier League weekend with a Saturday lunchtime encounter on the South Coast against Russell Martin’s Southampton. The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back from a tough start to the season, having won one and lost two of their opening fixtures. Here is your Manchester United predicted lineup for the 12.30PM kick off.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup For South Coast Clash vs Southampton

Who's fit to face Southampton? ℹ️

Erik gives an update ahead of Saturday's clash with the Saints 👇#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 12, 2024

How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently

Manchester United have stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation in the opening games of the season, with André Onana in goal.

New signing Noussair Mazraoui has slid straight into the right-back position, with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt rotating alongside Lisandro Martinez at centre-back, while Diogo Dalot has been at left-back.

In midfield, Casemiro has lined up alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes as a number 10 flanked by two of Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Joshua Zirkzee played as a number nine in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, with Fernandes filling in as a false 9 in the opening two games.

Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics

It has been a testing start to the campaign for the Red Devils, with an opening day win at home to Fulham cancelled out by two painful losses one at Brighton and, even worse, at Old Traffordn against bitter rivals Liverpool. The latter in particular laid bare the deficiencies still present in Erik ten Hag’s squad, despite five new summer arrivals and an unusually efficient cull of squad players.

The issue in United’s midfield is glaring, with Brazilian Casemiro seemingly unable to arrest his steep decline since the start of last term, making the side vulnerable to be played through in the middle of the park and especially prone to quick transitions. With Fernandes having to operate as a false nine in the opening two games in the absence of striker Rasmus Hojlund, the press has been inconsistent, making the Red Devils far too easy to play through, especially given that Mason Mount is now also on the treatment table.

Manchester United Injuries to Consider

Ten Hag gave updates on the fitness of Luke Shaw (Calf) and Rasmus Hojlund (Thigh), with both edging towards fitness but still not ready for this weekend. Both may be fit by the end of the month, along with Victor Lindelof (Ankle). Mason Mount (Thigh) and Tyrell Malacia (Knee) are set to return in mid-October, with 18-year-old French centre-back Lény Yoro set to be out until November with an ankle problem.