Just three games into the season, Erik ten Hag is under pressure.
By Graham Ruthven
Damaging defeats to Brighton and Liverpool before the international break highlighted the weaknesses that continue to drag Manchester United down with ten Hag facing criticism from all directions. Saturday’s match against Southampton could be pivotal.
Russell Martin could also use a positive result. Southampton have still to pick up their first point of the campaign and must improve if they are to stand any chance of avoiding immediate relegation back to the Championship. A home match against a hurting Manchester United side could present them with an opportunity.
Manuel Ugarte could be handed a Premier League debut in central midfield. Casemiro was well off the pace in the defeat to Liverpool and so ten Hag could throw his latest signing in at the deep end in an attempt to make his team tougher to play through in the middle of the pitch. Ugarte could be partnered with Kobbie Mainoo.
Up front, Joshua Zirkzee will likely lead the line for the visitors to St Mary’s Stadium despite this not being his natural position. The Dutchman is most comfortable when he can play as a secondary forward in the mould of someone like Thomas Müller, but United don’t have many other options in attack with Rasmus Højlund out injured.
Southampton have suffered from attacking problems of their own recently, scoring just one goal in three games this season. Martin could start a front three of Cameron Archer flanked by Ben Brereton Díaz and Adam Armstrong in an attack to overload the Manchester United defence and get into the spaces between the opposition centre backs and full backs.
The hosts are expected to line up with a back three in defence with Yukinari Sugawara and Kyle Walker-Peters deployed in the wing back positions. In central midfield, however, is where there will be greatest pressure on Mateus Fernandes and Flynn Downes to give Southampton the level of control Martin wants from his team. Southampton have had the majority share of possession in all three league matches they have played this term.
Three of the last four meetings between Manchester United and Southampton have ended in a draw and this weekend’s match could be another that is decided by small margins. United clearly have a large talent advantage, but currently lack the structure to make the most of that talent. The Saints could capitalise on that.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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