Manchester United will look to respond to last Sunday's heavy defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils will be poised to add to Thursday's Europa League win over Real Betis with their quest to secure qualification for European football net season well in tact.
Against Liverpool, Erik ten Hag's side was a shadow of what footballs have come to know them be, with the 7-0 defeat at Anfield being the club's heaviest-ever defeat since its inception. In retrospect, the scoreline was a fair reflection of the contrasting performances both teams could fashion. Fatigued from playing almost every three days, United were disorganised right from start, and they were evidently made to pay a hefty price against their rivals.
Needless to say, there is a renewed sense of urgency within the Manchester United camp ahead of the meeting with Southampton. The Red Devils will take on the Saints on the back of an impressive 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League. Also the heavy defeat to Liverpool should not take anything away from the 20-time league champions who will be out to avoid successive league defeats this season since August 2022.
A win or draw over Southampton will help United stretch their unbeaten run at Old Trafford to a whopping 21 games while further consolidating their status as Champions League material. At the moment, Ten Hag's side sits in third place with 49 points, boasting 12 points less than city rivals Man City and are equally 14 points behind Arsenal with two games in hand.
For Southampton, Sunday's trip to Old Trafford presents a great opportunity to add to potentilally add it to their newly-found form. The Siants got an important win over Leicester last time out and will aim to complicate life for Erik ten Hag's side who will be out to prove a point.
The battle to avoid relegation has not been easy for Ruben Selles' men, and they will be eager to add to this mandate at Old Trafford. They go into the super Sunday meeting with just two wins from their last seven matches across all competition. Their cause is also made worse by failing to beat Manchester United in 14 meetings across all competitions, winning seven and drawing seven.
Key stats: Manchester United vs Southampton
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Manchester United have not been beaten in 14 meetings with Southampton in all competitions, winning seven and drawing seven.
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Southampton have won two of their past 28 matches with United, with those victories coming at Old Trafford in 2015 and 2016.
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Manchester United are unbeaten in 21 games at Old Trafford. They have won 19 of those, since a 1-0 Europa League defeat by Real Sociedad in September.
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Fernandes has been directly involved in six goals in his six Premier League appearances against Southampton, scoring three goals and registering three assists.
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Southampton have won 12 of their 21 points on the road this season and are the only top-flight side to fare better away than at home.
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Manchester United fell to a club record-equalling 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in their last league outing, accounting for 20% of the top-flight goals they've conceded this season.
Team news: Manchester United vs Southamtpon
Manchester United could once again be without Marcel Sabitzer who sat out their Europa League first-leg win over Betis due to an unspecified injury. Anthony Martial is also a doubt for the encounter despite the striker returning to full training following a hip issue. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are also sidelined.
On the other hand, Southampton's Carlos Alcarez is a doubt following an injury to his knee while celebrating his goal in the win over Leicester City. Both Juan Larios and Tino Livramento remain long-term absentees.
Broadcast information: Manchester United vs Southampton
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