Manchester United have benefited from a staggered schedule over the past few weeks but are still chasing their first Premier League win since December 15.
The golden opportunity arrives on Thursday night after two morale-boosting results and allayed fears that Ruben Amorim would never be able to get a tune out of this a group of failed United stars.
2-2 at Anfield and the victory in penalties Arsenal points to a team moving in the right direction, but much of its success under Amorim has come against superior opposition. Southampton, the worst team Premier League has to offer, therefore offer an alternative challenge.
These are the games United haven’t been stuck in for years under multiple managers.
There will certainly be some rotation regarding the slogan United it’s over the weekend, and here’s the team Amorim could pick on Thursday night.
GK: Andre Onana – Altay Bayindir was man of the hour in the Emiratesbut Onana will resume number one duties midweek. Bayindir’s performance would however draw attention to the Cameroonian.
CB: Leny Yoro – Matthijs de Ligt defended with returning ferocity on Sunday and could perhaps do with a breather. Yoro is an excellent alternative and his ball work will be needed against Southampton’s deep defence.
CB: Harry Maguire – Fear not, Harry, the video assistant referee will be there to judge any complaints on Thursday. Maguire has shone at the big event under Amorim, but his work in transition will be put to the test here.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – Martinez struggled late in overtime but still managed to beat David Raya from 12 yards out in the shootout. There were no indications that the Argentine would miss out due to injury.
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Moroccan international has been a mainstay this season and has quickly become a favorite for the new coach. With United currently short of alternative full-backs, unless Amorim wants to re-insert Amad Diallo into that role, Mazraoui should be backed up.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte is a veritable pest, with all limitations disguised by diligence and cunning. Man Utd fans quickly warmed to him and he will be a key figure for the rest of the season.
CM: Bruno Fernandes – United will need passers and runners here, so Amorim could opt for an aggressive line-up and abandon form Fernandes in the headquarters of the midfield.
LWB: Tyrell Malacia – Diogo Dalot’s suspension and Luke Shaw’s absence means Malacia could make a rare appearance and start even less on Thursday. We haven’t seen the Dutchman in the Premier League since United won 3-0 in Bournemouth three days before Christmas.
AM: Amad Diallo – Amad took a knock early in Sunday’s game, but was fit enough to come off the bench for an extended period. Assuming he is 100%, Bjelokovac will return to the team against Southampton.
AM: Alejandro Garnacho – After playing Fernandes’ first match on Sunday, Amorim is likely to stick with the lively Argentinian who provides the necessary runs at the back against a deep defence.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Zirkzee must be brimming with confidence after a neat display on Sunday ended with a cool penalty winner. With runners on either side and Bruno supplying from deeper areas, the conditions are there for the Dutchman to thrive.
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