Southampton vs Manchester United

In addition to the context of the match, there are also some intriguing individual performances to monitor with Anthony Martial likely to be given an opportunity to shine after scoring on his debut in the last round of Premier League games.

Schneiderlin isn’t the typically flamboyant French footballer you would expect.

Our Southampton fans in the Transfer Tavern have been saying that the player will get a warm reception on his return, and can completely understand his departure this summer, for £24m.

Southampton may name Sadio Mane, a United target during the summer window, in their side as they look to cope with the absence of several first team regular.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has wished a speedy recovery to Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, adding that the youngster is strong enough to come back at a good level.

Bookmakers slashed their odds on Koeman being the next Premier League manager to go last week, but they have since drifted back to their previous mark.

When Southampton have conceded first against Manchester United in the Premier League they have go on to lose all but one of those matches (D1 L15).

Without Mane, Saints lacked any kind of creative spark, but he is just the type of player to unlock a United defence.

The Red Devils have covered more ground than any other Premier League side after five matchdays (578.5km). We have time and also matches that we can improve in that way and we shall.

Three clean sheets on the bounce would suggest Southampton are on the right path to filling the glaring void left by Schneiderlin, but it has become noticeable that Koeman’s emphasis on fixing the underlying issues in midfield has come at a cost.

Both Southampton and Manchester United have sold their ticket allocation for this match.

Southampton have had a similarly stuttering start to their campaign, following an excellent 3-0 win over Norwich with a 0-0 draw against West Brom. Last season no player to have attempted at least 30 dribbles across Europe’s top five leagues had greater success than Wanyama (92.5%), yet this season he is only succeeding with 40% of his dribbles, burdened by extra defensive duties when partnered with Davis. “There was a bit of me on the internet doing some but I try not to do it”.

Though Southampton have started this season somewhat slowly they remain a formidable prospect for any side travelling to St Mary’s, particularly one who have started the season as indifferently as United.

Can Southampton find an answer to their midfield problems?