Southampton vs Manchester United prediction and analysis as Erik ten Hag already in must-win territory

For Manchester United, however, it is looking like a stare from a deep well the climb out of which needs to start with a win here.

Champions League qualification is paramount and United haven’t lost on an away trip to St Mary’s Stadium for the last 15 games.

Here’s the Southampton vs Man Utd prediction and match breakdown as the season’s “kickstart” is now long overdue.

Match breakdown

Right off the bat, even though it is an away game, Russell Martin’s style of play at Southampton makes them an ideal opponent for what Erik Ten Hag wants to do with his Manchester United squad.

That is because Southampton like to dominate possession and have uncompromising ideals of building from the back.

In their three Premier League games so far, they have finished with 78%, 65%, and 64% possession respectively.

Those three games have returned zero points, as teams like Nottingham Forest went to St Mary’s stadium, conceded possession, defended in a low block, hit them on transitions, and won out in the end.

Ten Hag has remained intent on making United press from the front so the opportunity to create high turnovers is ripe for the taking here.

Of course, that means the front four will have to work extremely hard, as Mason Mount’s injury means he won’t be a part of that machinery.

In defence, Southampton have often had sterile possession when teams are happy to let them take the ball in positions that are not dangerous. That might not happen vs United if Ten Hag’s men press high and leave spaces behind so that’s something to look at and be aware of.

Finally, United’s three league games have been a story of wasting chances coming back to haunt them. In the league, United have underperformed their xG (Expected Goals) by almost three goals which would have likely given them at least one more win than they have now.

Southampton is where that rut needs to end otherwise the Saints are looking to break out of a rut of their own and won’t show any mercy at the slightest hint of vulnerability.

Southampton vs Man Utd prediction

United have started every game well because the adrenaline coursing through the veins at the start helps them press better and play proactively.

That has not been converted to an early goal in any game which is something they would want to change here.

It is even more important because an early goal will take the sting out of the home fans who are itching for a victory at their ground since promotion.

On the contrary, if the first goal is scored by Southampton, whenever that is, St Mary’s will feel like a cauldron as the underdogs will eye a major scalp for their first league win.

Expect United to start well, finally take their chances and then let Southampton have sterile possession, opening up chances on transition for their pacy wingers.

United in Focus predicts Southampton 0-2 Man Utd.

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