Following the September 2024 international break, Manchester United traveled to the South Coast to face newly-promoted Southampton. Here is a preview.
Southampton host Man United in what promises to be a cracking game as both clubs look to get a good start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The most notable game in the recent history of this fixture was the 9-0 shellacking of the Saints in 2021, but three of the four games since then ended in draws, with United winning the other by a lone goal.
Southampton will be keen for a fresh start on their return to the top-flight at the first time of asking. Russell Martin was appointed as manager following their relegation and the former Norwich player was able to inspire them, leading the team to a club-record 25-game unbeaten run between September 2023 to February 2024.
They eventually defeated Leeds United in the 2023/24 EFL Championship Playoff final to confirm their place in the Premier League. Now, new signings are needed to take the Saints to the next level.
Southampton are up against a tough trip to Newcastle in their first game of 2024/25, then they take on Nottingham Forest and Brentford before the visit of Man Utd. They will be desperate to have some wins and good performances under their belt by then.
Manchester United, on their part, have had an eventful 2024 as a campaign that was blighted by injuries to key players saw their protracted takeover come to completion and ended gloriously with FA Cup triumph at Wembley Stadium.
Erik ten Hag managed their inconsistent form caused by the crippling injury crisis before delivering an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, but their FA Cup victory means they will play Europa League football next season.
Although the Dutchman had to walk on eggshells throughout the season as the pressure mounted, an end-of-season review by the INEOS-led board has entrusted Ten Hag with continuing in his role.
Manchester United will start their 2024/25 Premier League season with a home fixture against Fulham and then a trip to Brighton. Liverpool will rock up to Old Trafford for the first installment of this heated rivalry and they will visit Southampton after the international break.
Match tickets
This Premier League game takes place on Saturday, 14 September 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on each club’s website with season ticket holders and club members getting priority consideration.
With the record English top-flight winners coming to town, tickets are sure to be sold out in the 32,000-capacity St. Mary’s Stadium. Southampton will be lapping up the atmosphere back in the Premier League and United will be keen to get a good performance in, making for a competitive game.
Purchasing tickets via official channels will be nigh-on impossible but we urge traveling fans to find Southampton vs Manchester United tickets on a resale site.
Team news
Adam Lallana has completed an emotional reunion to his boyhood club and he has been joined by Flynn Downes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yukinari Sugawara, Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards, Rento Takaoka and Charlie Taylor.
Southampton are still in search of reinforcements and have made a £ 7 million bid to Crystal Palace for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to the Saints after falling out of favour at Arsenal, and Brighton’s Jason Steele is an alternative should Ramsdale be unattainable.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also under consideration to return to the club following a disappointing spell at Besiktas. Meanwhile, Che Adams has left to join Torino as well as Duje Caleta-Car and Lyanco who have moved to pastures new.
Man United have also been active in the summer transfer market as Joshua Zirkzee was made the first signing of the INEOS era in a €42.5million deal. Leny Yoro has also joined for big money despite his preference to join Real Madrid and the Red Devils are still in the market for centre-back additions with Matthijs de Ligt reportedly close to joining the club.
There is a need for reinforcements in the holding midfield position where Manuel Ugarte is thought to be nearing a move to United. After having an exceptional Copa America campaign with Uruguay, the 23-year-old is a wanted man despite an underwhelming first season at Paris Saint-Germain, as he represents a smart replacement for Casemiro who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer.
United are keen on getting the Brazilian’s £375,00-a-week salary off the wage bill with a switch to the Saudi Pro League very likely.
Exits are needed to facilitate the conditions to spend more money, and United have already sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille for £26.6m while PSG are interested in signing Jadon Sancho. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof also have uncertain futures and could be on the move before the transfer deadline.
Line-ups
Southampton must be at full strength for the start of the season to stand a chance at survival from the early games. Recruitment is vital, and their possible 11 are below;
Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor; Downes, Aribo, Lallana; Mara, Armstrong
Ten Hag will be desperate to work with a much fitter squad this term to field his best team more often than not. United will have a much stronger lineup, and this is as good as they can be at the time of writing.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Ugarte, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Prediction
Southampton must be at their very best considering Man United will be feeling confident at the start of the season from their new signings and the positivity around the club.
The recent meetings between both clubs have been low-scoring affairs, and this could be no different as there will be many new players on the pitch.
Expect a pulsating draw or at most, a slim victory for Ten Hag’s men.
Man United 2-2 Southampton