Manchester United vs Southampton 16th January 2025: Premier League Preview
Having battled to a fantastic draw away at Liverpool in the league and a penalty shootout victory in the FA Cup 3rd round against Arsenal, there is a general feeling that Manchester United may have turned a corner, performance-wise.
However, having turned more corners recently than a Formula One driver, only to see the wheels come spectacularly off each time, United fans should be, at best, cautiously optimistic as they face the basement club Southampton at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Ruben Amorim seems to have been able to get his tactical changes to take effect with a longer gap between matches. But for all their away heroics against the top teams in the league since Amorim’s appointment, they have been both desperately poor against most other teams, and in terrible form at home.
With Southampton firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, it could be just the type of match to halt any forward momentum gained over the previous ten days.
Southampton, meanwhile, may already be planning for the Championship next season, given how far off the pace they are. Ivan Jurić has not been able to change the league form of the club, overseeing three defeats from three since taking over but a recent 3-0 win over championship side Swansea may give the team a boost and the fact they are so far behind in the league they may treat this match as a free-hit and play with the shackles off.
Team News
Manchester United will be without Diogo Dalot through suspension after being sent off against Arsenal at the weekend with Tyrell Malacia tipped to step in.
Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are all out. Amad Diallo will be available to start if needed after coming on as a substitute against Arsenal and Joshua Zirkzee may be given a chance up front if Amorim decides to rotate Rasmus Højlund.
Despite his heroics in the FA Cup, it is unlikely that Altay Bayındır will displace André Onana in goal.
For Southampton Jack Stephens, Juan Larios and Ross Stewart are sidelined but Flynn Downes may be available after a thigh issue.
Will Smallbone returned against Swansea so should make it to the bench at least. Irish international Gavin Bazunu is close to returning from a long-term Achilles injury, though Aaron Ramsdale should remain in goal against United.
Analysis
Despite being rooted to the bottom of the league and in poor form, Southampton will be looking to go three matches undefeated at Old Trafford, with their previous two league encounters at the Theatre of Dreams ending in draws.
However, having kept only two clean sheets and conceding forty-four goals in the league all season, their prospects do not look good against a United side that has been attacking with more focus and discipline in recent games.
United are looking to end their abysmal home form, which has seen them lose three consecutive league matches, their worst run since 1979.
If they maintain the shape, desire, and focus that they displayed against both Liverpool and Arsenal, then three defeats will not become four.
However, they will need to start well and not react negatively to any setbacks, as their tendency to implode under pressure will still bear some relevance going into this, and other games down the line.
How to Watch and Kick-Off time
The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and kicks off at 8pm GMT. If you live outside the UK, please check local listings for availability.
Prediction
It is hard to see anything other than a Manchester United win. Amorim has had the chance to get a full week of training between each of United’s last two matches and it shows in their general gameplay, shape, and mentality.
Only another farcical United backslide could lead to Southampton picking up even a point in this match.
Predicted Score: 3-0