Innocent AndrewTwo teams who suffered contrasting fortunes in midweek prepare to face each other on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford.
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw in midweek, while Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side came out 3-2 victors against Tottenham.
All eyes were fixed on the battle between Harry Maguire and Burnley’s new signing Wout Weghorst in midweek and although the United captain dealt with the Dutchman in the first half, the second half was a stark contrast.
Burnley’s equaliser came from Jay Rodriguez but Weghorst played a vital role in the goal when he got the better of Maguire and registered the assist for the goal.
Paul Pogba made a steady return to action in midweek and scored United’s only goal of the game when he converted Luke Shaw’s cross.
Tuesday night marked a poor result for the Reds and saw them drop down to sixth place in the league after West Ham and Arsenal recorded wins against Watford and Wolves.
However, Ralf Rangnick’s side can boast an impressive record of four wins in their last five league matches if they overcome Southampton tomorrow afternoon.
Allowing James Ward-Prowse time on the ball to pick out his target is a fatal mistake by any opposition and Tottenham were made to pay on Wednesday night as the Saints came out 3-2 winners.
Southampton were far the better side over the course of the match and came out as deserved winners. Che Adams’ 82nd minute header was enough to hand Hasenhuttl’s men all three points.
The Saints racked up over 20 shots in midweek and have enjoyed a resurgence in form after what was a poor start to the campaign.
However, Saturday’s visitors do not boast an impressive away defensive record with them conceding at least two goals in each of their last eight away games which is the joint worst record alongside Leeds.
The last time that the two sides met at Old Trafford was a memorable occasion for the Reds as they came out 9-0 winners and handed Southampton their second nine goal defeat in the Premier League era.
Team News
Ralf Rangnick will be hoping for no fresh injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Southampton.
Alex Telles missed the games against Middlesbrough and Burnley after testing positive for coronavirus and Fred contracted the virus which meant that he also missed both games.
Rangnick acknowledged that the Brazilian will be unavailable for tomorrow’s game and is still recovering.
As for the visitors, Lyanco is still fighting to be fit for the game and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy remains sidelined.
Nathan Redmond and Nathan Tella are still recovering from injuries so they will also be absent for the Saints.
Form Guide
The Reds have now picked up eight out of a possible 12 points from their last four league games.
Four of the last five league games at Old Trafford have seen United on the winning side, with only Wolves escaping with anything since early November.
Southampton toppled Tottenham 3-2 on Wednesday night which saw the Saints move into the top half of the Premier League and now sit on 28 points.
Innocent Andrew
