Southampton FC vs Manchester United FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Have Manchester United finally arrived under Erik Ten Hag?

Against Liverpool, they delivered the sort of performance that their fans have been crying out for a long time. In the first half hour, they demolished their historic rivals, eventually pulling into a 2-0 lead.

They had to defend deep later in the game, with Liverpool coming back at them, but they fully deserved tbe win that moves them out of the bottom three.

Southampton have tasted the full spectrum of results so far this season, losing, drawing and winning their way to four points. 

To win away to Leicester, coming from behind to do so, will have given them and their manager confidence that they have what it takes to challenge bigger teams this season.

United are favourites, but they’ll have to work hard against a resilient Saints side.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Win over Leicester will have improved confidence

     Unbeaten in last two against United

Reasons to be fearful:

     Have a habit of going behind in games

     Just one victory since April

Southampton will take some heart from their start to the season, which has left them in 11th place in the Premier League.

They aren’t turning up any trees, but many people predicted that they would suffer badly this season. They may still be dragged into a relegation fight, but at least they will have taken some confidence from their win over Leicester.

The Saints will need to stop going behind in games, however. Against both Leeds and Leicester, they fell behind only to come back and claim points. This is a good trait to have, to keep fighting when you’re down, but it can’t last forever.

When they face a revived United side, they must do their best to deny them opportunities in front of goal. 

Their record against their opponents was good last season, earning two draws. Southampton haven’t beaten United in 13 attempts, however.

Star Man – Che Adams

The Scottish striker was in fine form against Leicester, scoring twice as the Saints came from behind to win. He has been linked with other clubs, but Saints fans will be hoping he stays and produces more like this.

Manchester United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Win over Liverpool will lift the whole club

     Good record against Saints over the years

Reasons to be fearful

     Can they reproduce Liverpool performance here?

     What do they do about Ronaldo?

United’s performance against Liverpool was incredibly refreshing for United fans to witness. 

A team finally playing with passion and determination, willing to attack with energy and pace. New signing Lisandro Martinez was brilliant at the back, and players like Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay had their best games in a long time.

The trick now will be to play like that consistently, regardless of the opposition. It’s one thing to play like that at home against your biggest rivals, but can they do it against teams up and down the table?

Ten Hag has reduced some of the pressure on his shoulders after that performance, but knows he must still push his players to deliver more.

At least he will have new signing Casemiro here, signed from Real Madrid for £70m. He will certainly improve their midfield.

Star Man – Bruno Fernandes

Had his best game in over a year against Liverpool. Giving him the captain’s armband was an inspired move as he seemed to relish the extra responsibility.