Manchester United travel to Southampton this afternoon looking to maintain their positive start to the Premier League season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side produced the performance of the opening weekend as United thrashed rivals Leeds 5-1 at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes scoring his first hat-trick for the club and Paul Pogba registering four assists.
United were unbeaten on their travels in the Premier League last season, including a dramatic 3-2 win at Southampton last November after being 2-0 down at half-time. The Red Devils also defeated Southampton 9-0 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
Southampton were beaten 3-1 by Everton in their opening match of the season despite being a goal up at half time at Goodison Park. New signing Adam Armstrong scored on his debut while the club have been boosted this week by the news that captain James Ward-Prowse has signed a new contract at the club.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match today.
When is it on?
The match kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday 22 August.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting from 1pm. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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What is the team news?
Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are in contention to make their first starts for Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. Sancho is the more likely to be handed his full United debut following his substitute appearance last week while Victor Lindelof could retain his place alongside Harry Maguire, with Varane only fit enough for a place on the bench.
Edinson Cavani has returned to full training at United following his six-week break, with Eric Bailly also returning this week, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains out as he gradually recovers from Covid-19.
“With regards to team news, that’s given us a boost as well,” Solskjaer said. “Edinson’s joined in, Raphael’s joining in, we’re getting fitter and fitter.
“You’ll see on Sunday (if Sancho and Varane start), they’ve worked well. They’ve had minutes, we’ve had a very good week ourselves, we’ll see who makes the flight down to Southampton on Sunday.”
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has no fresh injury concerns following his side’s first match at Everton. New signing Dynel Simeu has joined the first team squad following the departure of Jannik Vestergaard. In defence, Tino Livramento could keep his place over Kyle Walker-Peters at right back.
Confirmed line-ups
Southampton: McCarthy, Livramento, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud, Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Djenepo, Adams, Armstrong.
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Matic, Fred, Greenwood, Fernandes, Pogba, Martial.
Odds
Southampton: 9/2
Draw: 16/5
Manchester United: 4/7
Prediction
The season may only be one week old, but it already feels like these are two sides on opposite sides of the form table. United should win comfortably here, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood back amongst the goals. Southampton 1-3 Manchester United
