Match Pack: Saints vs Man United

THE MATCH

Saints vs Manchester United
Premier League
St Mary's Stadium
Saturday 14th September, 12.30pm BST

THE OFFICIALS

Referee: Stuart Atwell
Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Nick Hopton
Fourth official: Gavin Ward
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

It's a game that was marked in the calendars of both sides following painful defeats ahead of the first international break of the season.

For Saints the need for points on the board is getting greater with every week, and Russell Martin will be aware of the importance of home support. Victory against a team like Manchester United, even with recent form, will be the perfect tonic ahead of a busy period of games.

Erik ten Hag's side will be as desperate to right the wrongs of the season so far. Despite opening day victory at home to Fulham, the Red Devils has since lost out to both Brighton and Liverpool. Saturday is a must-win for the 13-time Premier League winners.

TEAM NEWS

Saints boss Martin has named an unchanged outfield starting XI for the three Premier League games so far, but with his internationals returning unscathed he has a selection dilemma ahead of the visit of United.

Deadline day loan signing Maxwel Cornet is amongst those available, with Martin naming Kamaldeen (alongside long-term absentee Gavin Bazunu) as the only player to miss the cut with an injury.

Despite progressing well United will be without injured duo Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw for Saturday's trip. Elsewhere there were no major injury scares for ten Hag following the break.

THE MANAGERS

Russell Martin: "I feel like we've learnt a lot over the three first games and we're really close to who we want to be and what we want to be. Now we need to improve on those first three games.

"I've watched a lot of [Erik ten Hag]'s team recently to understand what can hurt us and how we can try and hurt them. They are a team full of top, top talent that on their day can really hurt anyone and we have to make sure that we approach the game in our way and try to be the team we want to be at home."

Erik ten Hag: "We will see where we are in May next year. It's very early in the season and it's about winning trophies, being as high as possible, of course, in the league. Do everything to win every game and then we will see in May where we are and then judge.

"I know, in the process, where we are, what we have to do, where we are going. I have said before, we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team. We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, no: we have to win every game."

ONES TO WATCH

Mateus Fernandes: The 20-year-old summer signing has only played 59 minutes in the Premier League for Southampton this season, but has excited the St Mary's faithful with what they've seen so far.

His close ball control and eye for goal have given Martin's side an added element to their attacking options when he's appeared off the bench. In front of a packed out home crowd, Fernandes will be eager to register his first start for his new club sooner rather than later.

Fernandes in action at Brentford (Photo: Matt Watson)

Joshua Zirkzee: One of the additions to the squad over the summer, 23-year-old Zirkzee secured all three points for United on opening day from the bench. A position he's found himself in as ten Hag's impact substituted over the next two games but without an end product.

With Hojlund set to miss the trip to the South Coast and United needing something different at the business end of the field, a start could be in order for the young Dutchman who averages a 6.37 whoscored? rating from his 160 Premier League minutes so far.

HEAD TO HEAD

Played: 133
Saints: 28
Draws: 37
Man United: 68

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

March 2023: Man United 0-0 Saints
August 2022: Saints 0-1 Man United
February 2022: Man United 1-1 Saints (Adams)
August 2021: Saints 1-1 Man United (Fred og)
February 2021: Man United 9-0 Saints

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