United’s attempts to unsettle Mane by making their interest known to the Northwest media did little to sooth the far from harmonious relationship between former colleagues Koeman and Van Gaal. Manchester United will be looking to bounce back following their shock midweek 2-1 defeat to PSV in the first match of the Champions League group stage.
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Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven league games against the Saints.
Serbian midfielder Dušan Tadić had a good game but his teammates could not capitalize on his wonderful crosses as they ended up tied with the Hornets after full time, as reported by BBC Sport.
Southampton forward Sadio Mane could be restored to the starting line-up after being on the bench last weekend.
As mentioned, left-back Luke Shaw is out after breaking his leg in two places in Europe, while centre-back Phil Jones has recovered from thrombosis but still lacks match fitness so will not feature at St Mary’s. Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand are expected to remain on the sidelines, along with long-term absentees Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos.
Manchester United are Sky Bet’s 11/8 favourites for Super Sunday’s second clash, with Southampton up against odds of 21/10 for the victory while the draw is priced at 11/5.
Marcos Rojo will earn his first league start of the season, as United’s defence will change in Shaw’s absence.
Dusan Tadic was the star man the last time these two sides met, with the Serbian playmaker securing a first Saints’ win at Old Trafford in 27 years as United failed to muster a single shot and target.
Southampton defender Jose Fonte on Morgan Schneiderlin: “We are in contact constantly”. It was a lot of years that we spent together.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. There was a bit of me on the internet doing some but I try not to do it”, Rooney said. You can see that Manchester United’s midfield now is much more aggressive.
Van Gaal: “We have already noticed we lost against Swansea and PSV Eindhoven”. Despite his departure from the club this summer, the Frenchman is guaranteed a warm welcome from home fans after serving Saints so well during their rapid rise from League One into the top flight and as a result of the dignified handling of his departure.
Moreover, the early readings from the opening five games of the season would also suggest their has been a significant decline in their physical approach to matches.
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“In the Champions League it is important that you do not lose those away matches”.
