Manchester United are looking to get back on track against Southampton this weekend after returning from the international break in poor form.
United have given up leads in successive games and the draw with Burnley has left the side in sixth place.
Southampton are up next at Old Trafford. Forget last season’s 9-0, this is a side high in confidence after beating Tottenham 3-2 in midweek.
United have been creating chances in recent games, the problem has has just been a matter of poor finishing. There needs to be a big improvement this weekend.
Rangnick to stick with 4-3-3
Ralf Rangnick has seemingly settled on a 4-3-3 formation and was not tempted to move away from that against Burnley, despite success with a 4-4-2 against them previously.
The questions ahead for the interim boss is who will start, and there are a handful of key decisions ahead in defence and attack.
Harry Maguire’s dismal performance at Burnley has led to calls from supporters for the centre-back to be dropped.
With Victor Lindelof in good form before dropping out of the side, it is time for the Swede to come back in and take Maguire’s place and partner Raphael Varane.
Rangnick may choose to back his captain, it wouldn’t be a surprise, but Maguire was so bad against Burnley that really the manager ought to change it up.
Even with Rangnick talking up Maguire at his press conference, we expect Lindelof to get the nod.
The rest of United’s defence is likely to remain the same. Luke Shaw did enough to retain his place despite Alex Telles returning to training.
In midfield United do not have too many options. The trio of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay are likely to start.
Front three changes
United started Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho against Burnley. Only one of those really deserves to keep their place for this game.
Jadon Sancho is the one of those who is a ‘must start’. Expect to see Cristiano Ronaldo come back in for Edinson Cavani.
One of the reasons Ronaldo dropped out of the side to face Burnley was with a view to returning to start this game against the Saints.
The other call is whether Marcus Rashford starts, and we are predicting he is dropped. Anthony Elanga is more than capable of stepping back into the side, having started the games against Brentford and West Ham.
A front three of Elanga, Sancho and Ronaldo could work well. United need Ronaldo to start performing, he has not scored yet in 2022.
Edinson Cavani could have created a real dilemma if he seized his chance in midweek, but having failed to do so, Ronaldo will return to take his place.
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