Manchester United Vs Southampton Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
After weathering a grueling stretch of fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester United enter Thursday’s clash against Southampton at Old Trafford with renewed optimism. Recent performances have showcased an intensity fans have long craved, yet inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel. On paper, this matchup favors the Red Devils, especially after their commanding victory over Southampton earlier this season. But in football, nothing is ever guaranteed. With both teams desperate for points—albeit for vastly different reasons—this showdown promises to deliver high drama and fierce competition.

United also faces turbulence off the pitch, as the Marcus Rashford saga dominates headlines in the January transfer window. Rumors suggest top clubs are interested but hesitant to commit to a permanent deal due to Rashford’s hefty wages. Meanwhile, whispers from Italy claim Napoli is eyeing Alejandro Garnacho as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who appears destined for PSG. Amid this uncertainty, there’s a silver lining: Pedro León has officially signed with United, though he won’t join the squad until July. With glaring gaps at left wing-back and in midfield, fans hope Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will back Ruben Amorim with the reinforcements he needs to turn things around.

On the field, United’s most recent clash against Arsenal ended in a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw. Even with Diogo Dalot’s red card reducing them to 10 men, the Red Devils showed grit, belief, and an unyielding work ethic—qualities they also displayed against Liverpool. These flashes of determination have fans hopeful the squad is beginning to embrace Amorim’s vision. However, sitting 14th in the league table, United is in unfamiliar territory. Thursday’s game presents a crucial opportunity to break their recent slump and begin their climb back to respectability.

The stats seem to favor United: they triumphed 3-0 in the reverse fixture, with goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho. Southampton, meanwhile, haven’t beaten United in 15 Premier League meetings (D8, L7), their last victory dating back to January 2016. However, Old Trafford has been anything but a fortress recently, with United seeking to avoid a fourth consecutive home defeat. Against a Southampton side winless in 17 straight Premier League away games, this could be the perfect moment for the Red Devils to steady the ship.

For Southampton, the Premier League has been a season to forget. Sitting rock bottom with just six points and a staggering -32 goal difference after 20 games, they’ve officially earned the unwanted title of the worst team in league history at this stage. Even Derby County’s infamous 2007-08 side had more points at this point in their campaign. New head coach Ivan Juric faces a monumental task to close the 10-point gap to safety, especially after their 5-0 thrashing by Brentford. However, their recent 3-0 FA Cup win over Swansea City offered a rare glimmer of hope. Can Juric harness that momentum, or will his side crumble under the weight of their struggles?

As the stakes rise, Thursday’s clash promises to be a battle of survival and resurgence. Will Manchester United finally deliver on their potential, or can Southampton defy the odds and spark an unlikely comeback? The stage is set, and the answers await under the floodlights of Old Trafford
Manchester United’s record against Southampton:
Games won: | 69 |
Games drawn: | 37 |
Games lost: | 28 |
Team News:
(As of today 15/01/2025)
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford remain unavailable. Diogo Dalot is suspended.
Southampton: Jack Stephens, Juan Larios, and Ross Stewart remain sidelined, but Juric is hopeful that Flynn Downes will be available.
Prediction:
A total of 72 goals have been conceded by these two Premier League teams this season. While Manchester United have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven top-flight matches, Southampton have conceded in 18 of their 20 league fixtures this term. But I believe the Red Army will pull through
Manchester United 3-0 Southampton
What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!