Rashford returns to boost United attack against Saints
Marcus Rashford is back in Manchester United’s starting XI to face Southampton at Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes two changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace 3-1 in midweek at Selhurst Park.
Rashford, who was injured against Liverpool last weekend but managed to play the full 90 minutes, made a 13-minute substitute appearance in London against Palace. He returns to make a three-man attack against the Saints, alongside Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
Caretaker boss Solskjaer is delighted to have Mancunian Rashford back in A1 condition. “He [Rashford] has been fantastic for us. The way he fought through the Liverpool game was impressive. He never gave in. Now he’s fit again, 100 per cent and ready to go. Hopefully with Rom (Lukaku) and Alexis they can give us some tempo up front.”
Andreas Pereira is named in the midfield with Ander Herrera still missing after going off in the first half in the 0-0 draw last Sunday with Liverpool. Pereira comes in for Fred, who played at Palace. The summer buy drops to the bench.
Two of United’s academy youngsters, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes, are also named on the bench.
Despite winning a club-record eight matches on the trot away from home, United have dropped four Premier League points at Old Trafford in the last two Premier League games.
“When you are at home, we expect three points but we’ve had two draws at home in the last matches against Burnley and Liverpool, so we need to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford. But Wednesday was a great boost for us,” says Ole.
“We have not won many games at home against Southampton but I don’t want to call them a bogey team. However, we need the three points. We know they fight for the points. You can see the quality in their team.”
United: De Gea, Young (C), Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, A. Pereira, Pogba; Alexis, Rashford, Lukaku.
Subs: Grant, Dalot, Bailly, Rojo, Fred, Gomes, Chong.