Important events
Erik Ten Hag: In an interview with TNT Sports, the Manchester United coach said that Manuel Ugarte was not in his starting line-up because he had not had enough time to properly integrate into the team.
“We have to integrate Manuel into the team,” he says. “He has only had two training sessions, we have to integrate him and that takes time.”
What the presence of Christian Eriksen in the team means for Casemiro: “We have a squad and we have a lot of games to offer, I’m sure he will play.”
Manchester United: Erik ten Hag is aware that support from the club’s management will wane if Manchester United’s poor results continue. The manager admits: “You have to deliver.” Text: Jamie Jackson.
The referees of today’s match
Manchester United: As the usual grim story unfolds at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s future distracts from the fact that United face bigger challenges, writes Barney Ronay.
These teams: Contrary to expectations, Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho are not given a starting place as they are both on the bench after returning from international duty in South America. Christian Eriksen moves into midfield for Casemiro, while Amada Diallo also returns to the starting line-up for Garnacho.
Russell Martin makes four changes to the Southampton side that last lost to Brentford, switching to a back four of sorts. Leslie Ogochukwu, Matheus Fernandes, Tyler Dibling and Cameron Archer come into the team, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joe Aribo and Adam Armstrong all starting on the bench. Will Smallbone is not in the squad for the game.
Lineups Southampton vs Manchester United
Southampton: Ramsdale, Sugawara, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Fernandes, Dibling, Archer, Brereton Diaz.
Submarines: McCarthy, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Fraser, Lallana, Aribo, Cornet, Armstrong, Stewart.
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee, Eriksen, Amad, Dalot, Mainoo.
Submarines: Bayindir, Evans, Maguire, Casemiro, Collyer, Ugarte, Antony, Garnacho, Wheatley.
Russell Martin: “There will be changes”
Southampton manager Russell Martin has so far stuck with the players who helped Southampton to promotion to the Premier League, but after three consecutive defeats he is ready to give new signings such as Cameron Archer, Mateus Fernandes, Maxwel Cornet and Ryan Fraser more chances.
“I have to balance that loyalty and what they did last season with what some of them are actually doing now and where they are at,” he said. “Also, given the level of talent that has come into the building, they need some time to adjust, but we have brought in some really brilliant players.”
“It’s about giving them the right things to get them into the team. I think it’s inevitable now that changes will be made and that people will be given opportunities that they need to take.”
Early team news
Last-day signing Manuel Ugarte is expected to make his Manchester United debut today, replacing Casemiro, who endured a nightmare day against Liverpool. Summer signing Leny Yoro remains sidelined with a leg injury, as are Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and striker Kamaldeen Sulemana are the only confirmed absentees for Southampton, while Ross Stewart is close to returning to full fitness and could be in the squad today. The Scottish striker has played just four times for Southampton since his long journey from Sunderland to the south coast 20 months ago.
Southampton vs Manchester United
Premier League: Southampton, who are yet to pick up a point after three top-flight matches, welcome Manchester United to St Mary’s in the opening game of this weekend’s round of fixtures. Russell Martin’s side have suffered three consecutive defeats after coming back from the play-offs, but will be hoping to take something from this game despite their visitors’ lofty status.
United arrive on the south coast having suffered two consecutive defeats, most recently a loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford just before the international break. They will be hoping to bounce back in style against a host who many predicted would be relegated and if they fail to do so, the pressure on Erik ten Hag will only increase. Kick-off at St Mary’s is at 12.30pm but we will have team updates and further information in the meantime.