Manchester United FC vs Southampton FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Southampton FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The Red Devils have shown impressive form early in 2025, defeating both Liverpool and Arsenal. Manager Amorim is finally seeing his tactics bear fruit, with the team playing with a newfound confidence. However, consistency is crucial as they aim to maintain their momentum and secure a top-four finish.

Southampton are struggling mightily this season, having suffered a humiliating defeat to Brentford in their first match of the new year. Their recent form has been dismal, and they are facing a real threat of relegation. While a recent FA Cup victory offered a brief respite, they face a daunting challenge against a resurgent Manchester United.

Head to Head Record: Both teams have played each other 49 times, Man United have won 30 times, Southampton have won 7, with 12 games ending in a draw. The Red Devils have scored 102 goals against the Saints’. While the Saint’ have scored 52 against United. 

Current Standings: Manchester United are currently in 14th with 23 points. Southampton are at the bottom with a paltry 6 points to show for. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Since a home loss 9 years back, Manchester United are unbeaten against Southampton in their previous 15 Premier League games - winning 7 and drawing 8. But, United have had a horror at home this season - losing 3 consecutive Old Trafford fixtures. The Red Devils have been particularly vulnerable against headers (9) and corner kicks (9) out of the 28 goals conceded. Only Wolves have conceded more from set-pieces, during O’Neil’s unsuccessful spell. 

Bruno Fernandes has been pulling the strings in mid-field, commanding with his vocal prowess and shooting boots. His team has the highest proportion of shots from outside the box this season (37%). Not all have been converted, but definitely keeps the opposition keeper’s gloves warm. Fernandes has come under criticism for easily being booked. But the Portuguese has brought flair to his passing and a high degree of intensity.

Player to watch out for

United’s skipper has been one of the standout players. The Portuguese international has received more passes in open play among attacking players in the competition than anyone else this season (836). Only four players have made more front-footed progressive passes than Bruno this season (88). Sir Alex Ferguson must admire his current captain’s style of play and would’ve possibly been one of his first picks, during his long tenure at the club.

This direct style of play is also endorsed by Amad Diallo who’s now been involved in 9 goals in 12 Premier league games - assisting 6 and scoring 3. No African player has reached double figures for goal involvements in a single campaign for Man United. The likelihood of that happening at the Theatre of Dreams is quite frankly high, with the Ivorian now establishing himself as a mainstay in Amorim’s army. 

Injury - Lindelof, Mount and Shaw are out. 

Man Utd probable XI - Onana (GK), de Ligt, Martinez, Maguire (DEF), Fernandes, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo (MID), Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund (FWD). 

Southampton FC Preview

Old Trafford is not the most welcoming place for a team that’s languishing right at the very bottom. The Saints’ have lost 3 of their past 10 visits to Manchester United in the competition - drawing 5 and winning 2. On the road, Southampton have been winless in 17 fixtures - drawing 4 and losing 13. If Manchester United play with the same inventiveness and intensity that they did against Liverpool and Arsenal, then Juric’s side could be in a lot of trouble. 

Russell Martin’s style of passing play has Southampton conjure 9,910 passes so far - 6th in standing. But unfortunately that hasn’t materialised into shots - second bottom (187). The Saints have scored only 12 goals - half of United’s tally this term. Southampton will need 19 points more if they are to match their 2022-23 tally of 26. They eventually ended up finishing last that season. At this stage, the Saints’ do not look like getting even 19 points from 18 games. Croatian boss Juric has some big calls to make, maybe by actively making acquisitions in the transfer window as a last ditch attempt to save their season. 

Southampton have conceded the most number of goals this season along with Leicester City (44). It almost seems like Southampton are afraid to dive into the opposition’s area. Defenders Bednarek and Stephen's pass 40 times per 90 minutes, which happens to be the highest average duo to play 500 minutes together this season. If they are to cause the opposition any damage then a partnership needs to be fostered higher up the pitch. It also makes it easier for opposition teams to win the ball in Southampton’s half - if they are to press with intensity. 

Injury - Larios, Stephens, Stewart, Bazunu and Downes are out. 

Southampton probable XI - Ramsdale (GK), Bree, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis (DEF), Walker-Peters, Ugochukwu, Aribo, Manning (MID), Fernandes, Dibling, Sulemana (FWD).

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs SOUTHAMPTON FC
Winning Prediction

Every team has been walking over Southampton. It’s something Man United will know what it feels like. But this isn’t a place for emotions and empathy. The Premier League is a cut-throat business that includes highly competitive teams to outperform or be outdone. Manchester United have started the season on a positive note and will look to capitalise on that. Their front line seems to be linking up well and could cause some serious damage to this Southampton side. 

Man United to Win (3-0)

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