The Premier League weekend begins with this clash between Southampton and Manchester United.
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Southampton vs Manchester United odds
Find the latest match odds for Southampton vs Man Utd. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed online football bookies. Odds are subject to change.
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Southampton vs Manchester United predictions
The international break gave Erik ten Hag a bit of respite, but the Manchester United manager knows how important a victory is this weekend.
It has been a poor start to the campaign for United, despite a 1-0 triumph over Fulham on the opening night. Subsequent losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool have cast fresh doubt on Ten Hag’s ability to be a long-term success at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman, in truth, is fortunate to still be in a job. Victory in the FA Cup final in May almost certainly saved his job. One thing is for sure: Ten Hag did not earn a stay of execution because of his team’s performance in the Premier League.
Indeed, there was little for United fans to cheer in the top flight last term. An eighth-place finish was their lowest in the Premier League era – and the underlying numbers suggested the Red Devils could easily have dropped into the bottom half.
The club responded by handing Ten Hag a new contract while also overhauling his coaching staff. Ruud van Nistelrooy is now an assistant at the club he represented with distinction as a player. If results do not improve, there may soon be a clamour for the former striker to get the main job.
All is not lost yet. Yes, the defeat by Liverpool was painful, mostly because of how comfortably United were beaten by their arch-rivals on home soil. But we are still early in the campaign and no one, never mind a team with United’s talent, is out of the top-four race yet.
Because so many of their players go away to represent their countries, the international break is perhaps not as useful to managers of the top teams as it is to those who lead sides lower down the table.
Still, United fans will hope that having had a fortnight off, the team comes back with renewed purpose and vigour after a flat start to the season. If they do not, Ten Hag will be in big trouble.
Southampton vs Manchester United betting tips
Manchester United will be searching for a second win of the season when they take on Southampton.
Manchester United to win – 8/11 (Paddy Power)
Anything less than a win on Saturday would rightly lead to fresh questions being asked of Ten Hag’s suitability for the role of Manchester United manager. Ideally, his side need to win comfortably to keep the critics at bay – at least for a few days.
Thankfully, Southampton have really struggled since returning to the Premier League, losing to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford. They are one of only two teams in the division without a point to their name.
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United’s shortcomings are well documented. They are too easy to play against, concede too many goals, and do not create enough chances.
Ten Hag’s side are less than the sum of their parts, a situation which reflects badly on the manager. But the team contains talent and, in certain games like this one, that is ultimately a decisive factor.
⚽ Back Manchester United to win at 8/11 with Paddy Power ⚽
Manchester United to score in both halves – 7/5 (Paddy Power)
Southampton have had the second-most possession in the Premier League so far this season, but it has not done them much good.
Russell Martin speaks constantly about sticking to his principles, which include playing out from the back and trying to dominate the ball. But that strategy was ruthlessly exploited by Brentford last time out, with two of the goals Southampton conceded coming from losing possession close tk their own goal.
Injecting a dose of pragmatism to your game plan is a sign of strength, not weakness. Unfortunately for Southampton, Martin does not seem to want to do that.
Manchester United have the attacking quality to score goals against an opponent that opens up the pitch and refuses to accept the talent deficit.
⚽ Go for goals in both halves for Manchester United at 7/5 with Paddy Power ⚽
Joshua Zirkzee to score any time – 6/4 (Paddy Power)
Having now had a few weeks to get used to his new surroundings, Joshua Zirkzee will hope to get a run of starts under his belt in September and October.
The Netherlands international was included in the XI for the Liverpool game and he should keep his place for this weekend’s trip to the south coast.
With Rasmus Hojlund out injured and Bruno Fernandes likely to start in a deeper role if fit (he is nursing a knock but should still feature), Zirkzee will be confident of getting the nod up top.
As we touched on above, Southampton are not the most defensively robust side in the division. Even in the Championship, they conceded the 14th-most goals last season.
Having opened his account against Fulham in gameweek one, Zirkzee will now have his sights set on inflicting damage on Southampton.
⚽ Tip Joshua Zirkzee to score any time at 6/4 with Paddy Power ⚽
📺 How to watch Southampton vs Manchester United
- Location: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, England.
- Date and time: Saturday 14th September, 12.30pm.
- How to watch: TNT Sports 1.
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About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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