After taking one point from the six available against Sheffield United and Arsenal, Manchester United could do with a routine home win tonight when Southampton are the visitors to Old Trafford.
But recent history indicates it could be a rollercoaster night.
United have conceded two goals in four of their last five meetings with the Saints, which is a concerning statistic.
The Red Devils have drawn three of those games and secured 3-2 victories from losing positions in the other two.
United are capable of coming from behind as they’ve shown many times this season.
But the attack isn’t currently functioning like a unit you’d rely on to score three goals to win a football match.
In fairness, they shouldn’t need to. With all due respect, a team of United’s quality and ambitions should be capable of keeping Southampton quiet – especially at home.
At St Mary’s earlier this season, the problem was set pieces, with James Ward-Prowse scoring one free-kick and setting up a goal for another with a corner.
But United have also struggled to cope with Southampton’s high energy pressing style at times.
The performance tonight needs to be way less sluggish than it was against the Blades last week.
For Oliver Burke’s winning goal, there was no desire to defend or intensity and that has to change tonight.
Creating an open game where three goals are needed to secure victory would be a risky strategy tonight.
United’s last clean sheet against Southampton was over three years ago. Ending that poor run would be a welcome change tonight.
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