What to expect when United travel to Southampton

Many of United’s players sparkled, and others returned, as goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho sealed the win against Jurgen Klopp’s side, leaving Erik ten Hag with some decisions to make for our trip to the south coast.

Ahead of the Premier League clash at the St Mary's Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST), read about the key talking points and what to expect when the Reds line up against the Saints this weekend...

TEN HAG'S STRIKING OPTIONS

Three different strikers led the line for United at various points during Monday’s clash with Liverpool. Marcus Rashford began the fixture in the no.9 spot, causing problems in behind the defence with his pace.

The 24-year-old got on the scoresheet in the second half, after he was moved to the left to accommodate the introduction of the returning Anthony Martial.

Martial made his first competitive United appearance of the campaign against Liverpool, after suffering an injury during pre-season. Up until his injury, Martial had had been in electric form, scoring goals in three consecutive matches during Tour 2022

The Frenchman had a big impact against the Merseysiders, providing the assist for Rashford’s goal and holding the ball up well against a notoriously steely Liverpool defence.

In addition to Rashford and Martial, Ten Hag also has the option of starting six-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo against Southampton. The Portugal star was introduced late on in our win over Klopp's side, demonstrating brilliant composure to hold the ball up and slow down play, helping United to see out the victory.

MORE OF MALACIA?

Summer signing Tyrell Malacia garnered much praise on Monday for his tenacious and resilient performance against our rivals. Will he remain in the starting XI on Saturday?

Luke Shaw is Malacia’s competition for the left-back spot in the Reds’ squad and he will no doubt be eager to play a part against his former employers this weekend.

The defensive duo both appear fit and were in training this week, giving Ten Hag good options in that position.

A CASEMIRO DEBUT?

Our new Brazilian midfielder was unveiled to the Old Trafford faithful ahead of kick-off on Monday night, adding to the electric atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams.

Reds fans will be eager to see if the five-time Champions League winner will make his Reds bow this weekend at Southampton.

Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen were praised for their performances against the Liverpool, so even if Casemiro is available, Ten Hag may continue with the same three players in his engine room on Saturday.

MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

Ten Hag stressed that our win over Liverpool was just the beginning for his United side, and he expects his players to carry the same fighting spirit into every fixture.

But Southampton are a different proposition to Klopp’s side, and this fixture is one where United have struggled to record victories in the past. From our last six clashes with the Saints, we have drawn four times.

Ten Hag will no doubt have a different tactical approach against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, but he expects the determination that United showed against Liverpool to be carried into this contest.

A SECOND OUTING FOR OUR THIRD KIT

The debut fixture for our 2022/23 third shirt is one which most, if not all, Reds supporters will want to erase from their minds. The loss against Brentford was a shock, but Monday’s victory over Liverpool has restored optimism going into our match against Southampton this weekend.

The Reds are expected to don the green kit for a second time on the south coast, and Ten Hag will be eager for United to come away with a positive result and happier associations with the new strip.

AN EARLY START

The lunchtime kick-off is always a curious one. Some managers prefer to play before other sides have kicked a ball, whereas others prefer to play later in the day.

Our clash with the Saints (12:30 BST kick-off) is the perfect opportunity for the Reds to get three points and climb up the table before any other Premier League sides have played.

If Ten Hag’s side can earn an important win at St Mary’s, he and his players will be able to settle back and enjoy their weekend, watching the rest of the action unfold. It is, of course, the opposite to the previous matchweek when we played in the final game and most of our games will be on Sundays this year due to our Europa League involvement.