Ole provides McTominay update

United face the Saints at St Mary’s Stadium (14:00 BST) and the midfielder has been named among our substitutes on the south coast. 

Our no.39 is part of two changes to the side from the opening-weekend victory over Leeds United last Saturday, with Nemanja Matic coming into the XI in his place, while Anthony Martial replaces Daniel James. 

McTominay played 70 minutes and impressed on his first start of the campaign, but Ole has explained the reason behind the Scotland international dropping to the bench this afternoon.

“Of course we want to keep continuity [in the side],” Ole explained in his pre-match interview with MUTV. 

“But Scott is struggling with an injury, hopefully we can get half an hour out of him if needed.”

McTominay is one of nine options Ole could call upon from the bench at St Mary’s, alongside new signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. 

Varane has been named in the matchday squad for the first time since his move to United was confirmed last weekend, while Sancho could come on for his second Reds appearance, having made his bow against Leeds. 

Also among the substitutes is Jesse Lingard, who returns to the matchday squad for the first time since testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. 

Ole explained pre-match that contracting the virus has set Jesse’s pre-season preparations back slightly, but that he has looked good on the training pitch since his return, and it is great to have him back amongst the group. 

"He's been really good," he said.

"Of course with his illness, COVID, a couple of weeks ago, that was a big set back for Jesse but he's been so bright all pre-season and he's knocking on the door as well."

See the full United team news from St Mary’s ahead of this afternoon’s game here.