Preview

Manchester United
Erik Ten Hag's side are going through tough times. An injury crisis, the absence of a dedicated left-back and internal problems associated with lengthy negotiations to sell the club have led to a disastrous start to the Premier League. The Red Devils have only picked up three points from three matches, and a crushing 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool exposed serious problems in the team's play. Rumours of a possible managerial change are intensifying, and the match against Southampton could be decisive for Ten Hag. He urgently needs to improve his results to retain the trust of the board and fans.

Southampton
Under Russell Martin, the Saints are looking to maintain their attacking and entertaining play despite the difficulties they faced at the start of the season. Like Vincent Kompany at Burnley a year earlier, Martin is taking a risk by not adapting his style of play to the demands of the Premier League. Southampton have failed to pick up a single point in their opening three games, losing to Newcastle (0-1), Nottingham Forest (0-1) and Brentford (1-3). The team has created chances, but has let down its execution, while mistakes in possession under pressure from opponents have cost points. Martin notes that his players are trying to follow the plan, but are making tactical errors, and the coach’s job is to correct them.

Both teams are under pressure and desperately need points. Manchester United are looking to get back on track, while Southampton will be fighting for their first points of the season, hoping for the support of their home crowd.