Manchester United ticked one comeback box with Thursday’s classy 4-1 win over Real Betis following last weekend’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool, and now they must tick another. The Europa League knock-outs offer a different type of test to that of the Premier League and United can show the anarchy at Anfield was indeed just an unusual blip with a comfortable triumph over bottom club Southampton this afternoon. Erik ten Hag named an unchanged side for the victory over Betis but is likely to chop and change a few names against the Saints ahead of the European return to Spain in midweek. The Spurs star – who netted twice against Nottingham Forest yesterday – is likely to be an expensive buy and United will know how much they have to spend by the summer depending on how the takeover process plays out.
For those of you still with us here, now is the time to head over to our dedicated matchday blog as United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side took a commanding advantage in their Europa League last-16 tie against Real Betis on Sunday with a 4-1 win, and the Dutchman has described today’s game as the ‘second part of our rehabilitation’ from last Sunday. They host a Southampton side who are bottom of the league but took three points from Stamford Bridge just a few weeks ago. Hugill joined United from the Black Cats in 2020 and has been hugely impressive at under-21 level, particularly this season where he has scored nine goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances. In January, the 19-year-old joined Altrincham on loan, switching between both sides in a bid to gain some experience of senior football. And according to the report, United are looking to move their star up the leagues.
To suggest Manchester United’s season is going to crumble now is just silly when you consider the run they were on beforehand, and the way they were getting those results. We’ve seen their players have got a bit about them already. Yes, they need to respond after their second-half performance against Liverpool, but I think that is exactly what will happen. Southampton got an important win over Leicester last time out and this will not be a stroll for Erik ten Hag’s side, but I suspect United will play with some anger in this game. Because of that, I think they will win. Predict Manchester United’s starting XI for their next fixture – remember you can change the formation! Predict Southampton’s starting XI for their next fixture – remember you can change the formation!
