Southampton vs Man United: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Southampton are still searching for their first points of the season, but we expect their woes to continue at home to Man United. United have made a poor start to the campaign themselves, though we are backing them to take home three points.

The Saints have not kept a clean sheet in their last four games in all competitions, and they are facing an opponent who they have not beaten in their last 15 games. Despite a 9-0 win for United during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, this fixture is typically a low-scoring affair, with four of the last five meetings averaging less than 2.5 goals – Southampton 0-2 Man United

Southampton host Man United at St Mary’s in the first Premier League game following the international break, with both sides in poor form.

Date: 14/09/24

Kick-off time: 12:30

Venue: St Mary’s Stadium

It has been a tough start to life back in the top flight for Southampton, with three losses to begin the campaign. They were defeated 1-0 in both of their first two games, though could not take advantage of an extra man for the majority of their opener against Newcastle. Although they have yet to keep a clean sheet, most of their issues have come in the attacking areas.

In three Premier League games so far, they have scored just once. This was a 95th-minute consolation in a 3-1 defeat to Brentford. They did score five in the EFL Cup against Cardiff but have been unable to translate this success into their league form. Last season, Adam Armstrong scored 24 goals in the Championship but has yet to get off the mark. Manager Russell Martin lost second-highest scorer Che Adams to Torino and will hope that new signing Cameron Archer can fill the void. Archer netted twice in the EFL Cup.

The Saints will be facing a United side who are already under a lot of early pressure. Three games in, they are in 14th place with a win and two defeats. It has been a poor showing from Erik Ten Hag’s side so far, meaning this is an early must-win. The Red Devils have scored just two goals this season and are reeling from a 3-0 home defeat to rivals Liverpool last time out. However, they should be confident in finding the back of the net against a defence who has allowed six goals in four games.

This could also be a game to get them back on track defensively, with poor decisions costing them severely in recent defeats. They should enjoy a much more comfortable afternoon against a stuttering attack.

Since 2017, these two sides have met 13 times in the Premier League. It has been a dreadful matchup for Southampton, failing to win a single game. However, United have only won five, with the remaining eight ending in draws. This does include the famous 9-0 win for United at Old Trafford in 2021. In the four games since, there has been a lack of goals, with three draws, two of them finishing 1-1. The most recent meeting was a goalless draw. The Saints last took home three points in this fixture in 2016, when they won 1-0 at Old Trafford. Charlie Austin scored a late winner on this day.

Southampton vs Man United will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1.

Southampton

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu remains a long-term absentee. Kamaldeen Sulemana looked set to leave for Ajax, but the transfer broke down at the last minute. The player is currently out injured and this next game could be too soon for his return.

Man United

New signing Leny Yoro suffered an injury in pre-season that will keep him out until late November. Mason Mount will also miss an extended period after injuring his hamstring. Rasmus Hojlund has yet to play this season and is set to return later this month, but this next one is likely too soon. Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw could be in line to return.

Southampton:

In their last five games, Southampton have won one, drawn one and lost three. It has been a difficult start to life back in the Premier League for the Saints, losing their opening three. They fell to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, despite playing against 10 men for the majority of the game. Fabian Schar was sent off midway through the first half for violent conduct, but the hosts still took the lead on the stroke of half-time thanks to Joelinton. Southampton were unable to take advantage of their extra man in the second half.

Next up, they took on Nottingham Forest and again fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat. They enjoyed the majority of the possession but managed just one shot on target. Forest took one of their opportunities with Morgan Gibbs-White netting the winner with 20 minutes to go.

Attention shifted to the Carabao Cup, in which they were involved in a thrilling 5-3 second-round win over Cardiff. Last time out, they lost 3-1 at Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo (x2) and Yoanne Wissa scored before Yukinari Sugawara netted a late consolation. This run started with a goalless draw against Getafe in their final friendly.

Man United:

In their last five games, Man United have won one, drawn one and lost three. It has been a hugely underwhelming start for United, as they have struggled in recent games. They won their opening league game 1-0 against Fulham, though the result could have gone either way. Joshua Zirkzee scored an 87th-minute winner.

They were unable to continue this momentum, however, as they fell to a 2-1 loss at Brighton. Former United player Danny Welbeck put the Seagulls in front before Amad Diallo equalised in the second half. The points looked to be shared but a 95th minute header from Joao Pedro sealed all three points for the hosts.

A match against rivals Liverpool followed, and they were dominated 3-0 at Old Trafford. Luis Diaz scored a brace before Mo Salah added another. This run of games started with the same result against the same opponents in a pre-season friendly. Man City then beat United 7-6 on penalties in the Community Shield after a 1-1 draw.

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