Daniel James is likely to be rewarded for his impressive Champions League cameo during the midweek with a start for Manchester United against Southampton.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s task will be cut out ahead of the Sunday game as Manchester United take on a high-flying Southampton at St. Mary’s, a ground they have drawn on their last two visits. The manager also has a potential selection headache due to the injury pile-up.
David de Gea is pencilled in to start in goal for Manchester United. However, the central defensive partnership might change. Victor Lindelof had to be substituted after receiving a knock against Istanbul Basaksehir and is unlikely to play a part on Sunday, which means Axel Tuanzebe should come in alongside Harry Maguire.
The academy graduate has impressed whenever afforded a chance and will now be put to test against a firing Southampton attack.
Alex Telles will reprise his role on the left in the absence of Luke Shaw while the right side should be guarded by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who also received a knock against Istanbul Basaksehir but is likely to recover in time to start. Ole highlighted the two knocks during his pre-match conference while also commenting on Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba’s respective fitness levels.
“Victor and Aaron, they came through the session today, so hopefully they should be okay, [if] still not 100 per cent. Scott and Paul, they didn’t train this morning. They were not on the grass so they are very unlikely for the weekend.”
Fred is locked in midfield as one of the two players in the pivot. While Nemanja Matic would be the safer option, Donny van de Beek showed just why he is so valuable and his link-up play with Bruno Fernandes is likely to see him start in the number 6 role.
Bruno Fernandes will continue in the hole, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both set to start in attack. Edinson Cavani is an option. However, the Uruguayan started in the midweek and Ole would not want to push Cavani’s fitness levels.
The right side could go to one of Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Juan Mata. James could be preferred after a shining cameo in the 4-1 midweek Champions League win over Istanbul Basaksehir.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Telles; van de Beek, Fred; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial