Ten Hag to drop two big stars | Expected Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Southampton | OneFootball

Manchester United take on Southampton in today’s early Premier League kick-off at St Mary’s.

The Red Devils have had a tough start to the campaign, with two defeats in three league games. They are currently 14th in the standings.

United are four points adrift of the top four and today’s game on the south coast already appears a must-win for them.

Manager Erik ten Hag will likely make a couple of changes from the 3-0 loss to Liverpool.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Andre Onana has been an undisputed starter in the Premier League since his arrival from Inter Milan last year. He is expected to continue in goal ahead of Altay Bayindir.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui could swap positions in defence. Dalot has looked uncomfortable at left-back and could switch places with the Moroccan.

Matthijs de Ligt had a dreadful international break with two high-profile errors for the Netherlands leading to goals, but Ten Hag spoke highly of him in the pre-match presser.

The Dutchman is expected to line up alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

Casemiro had a dreadful opening half against Liverpool. He was responsible for gifting possession in the lead-up to both goals scored. The Brazilian was substituted at the break.

It seems crystal clear that new signing Manuel Ugarte will replace him in the number six position.

Kobbie Mainoo is one of the first names on the United teamsheet following his huge progress over the past year. Bruno Fernandes is also a nailed-on starter in the number 10 role.

The United captain has yet to make a goal contribution in the top flight this term, but he was superb for Portugal in the Nations League, bagging a goal and an assist against Scotland and Croatia.

Marcus Rashford could keep his place on the left wing after creating two clear-cut chances against Liverpool. Joshua Zirkzee squandered both opportunities with his poor finishing.

Zirkzee should still get the nod up front, having looked in good shape for the Netherlands against Bosnia & Herzegovina. He netted a goal and provided an assist in a resounding 5-2 victory.

Amad Diallo may start ahead of Alejandro Garnacho on the right wing. Garnacho was ineffective before the break, with three touches in the box against Liverpool.

Diallo replaced him in the 69th minute and made a better impression with eight touches in the opposition box, creating one big chance. The Ivorian could get the nod over Garnacho in the starting XI.

How Man Utd could line up against Southampton

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com.