In the space of a few days, Manchester United has achieved two important results – both away – between the league and the FA Cup, snatching two draws with Liverpool and Arsenal, which at the moment are the first and second force in the Premier League, respectively. Yes, it’s true, victory continues to be lacking since mid-December (success in the derby with City) but after a worrying series of three defeats in a row against Bournemouth, Wolverhampton and Newcastle avoiding defeat with the two main candidates for the title is tantamount to a not inconsiderable injection of self-esteem.
First the 2-2 draw at Anfield, in a match in which the fate of Bruno Fernandes and his teammates appeared sealed, then the qualification to the fourth round of the FA Cup won at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners – in numerical superiority for about an hour of play – who got the worst of it in the penalty shoot-out lottery (regulation time had ended 1-1).
Southampton, dire situation
The Red Devils, in short, are still alive and well but in order to permanently reverse the trend they must as soon as possible improve a ranking that today sees them even in thirteenth place, -10 from the European zone.
There is no alternative to victory, then, in the challenge with bottom-of-the-table Southampton, who have picked up barely 2 points in their last 30 games and need a real miracle to avoid relegation. The Saints, at the bottom of the standings with only 6 points, a few weeks ago relied on Ivan Juric, back from his very brief experience at Roma, but the former Verona and Torino coach has not yet managed to celebrate his first success on the red and white bench. At least as far as the league is concerned, because his Southampton just ended their fast in the FA Cup, beating Swansea – a Championship club – 3-0 last weekend.
The Prediction.
The challenge with Southampton seems to be the right opportunity, for Manchester United, to return to winning ways after exactly one month. Expect at least 3 goals overall at Old Trafford: Juric will need time to fix a defense that so far has conceded a beauty of 44 goals and is the worst along with Leicester’s.
Manchester United-Southampton likely lineups.
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1): Onana; de Ligt, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes; Hojlund.
SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-2-1): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Walker-Peters, Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes, Manning; Dibling, Sulemana; Onuachu.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
