DEVASTATING NEWS: coming live from Old Trafford, Manchester United loses star player and won’t be available for selection against Southampton. Manchester United will be without star player for the mammoth Premier League clash against Southampton Today after losing him to injury. Full Manchester United squad as star players missing for Southampton match.

This weekend, Manchester United will be eager to bounce back from consecutive defeats and secure all three points against Southampton. The 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford before the international break was particularly disheartening, especially given the high expectations fans had for the season.

This defeat followed a 2-1 loss to Brighton, leaving Manchester United sitting 14th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -3. Cristiano Ronaldo has also weighed in on the club’s struggles, suggesting that Erik ten Hag should heed advice from former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, Ten Hag dismissed these comments, stating that Ronaldo is entitled to his opinion.

Heading into game week four, nothing short of a victory will be enough as United attempt to recover and set their sights on securing a Champions League spot. Here’s a look at how Erik ten Hag might set up his team for the crucial match against Southampton.

Predicted Manchester United Line-up Against Southampton

As the Premier League returns, Ten Hag has received some positive team news. After a spate of injuries over the past year, the United manager will be relieved that there are no new concerns, and Manuel Ugarte is available for selection. However, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined. Here’s how United might line up:

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
In goal, Andre Onana is expected to start despite recent criticism from Paul Scholes. The Cameroonian keeper received strong support from United fans in Uganda during the international break, but he’ll need to improve his performances after some shaky displays in the last two games.

Right-back: Noussair Mazraoui
In defence, Noussair Mazraoui will likely return after being rested by Morocco for their second international match. He put in a strong showing in their 4-1 win earlier in the break and will aim to carry that form into United’s match against Southampton.

Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt
Starting on the right side of central defence, Matthijs de Ligt will be looking to bounce back after a difficult international break with the Netherlands. His first start for United wasn’t ideal, but he’ll be hoping for better this time around, especially with improved support from the midfield.

Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez
Partnering De Ligt at centre-back will be Lisandro Martinez. Although he hasn’t been at his best recently, Martinez is considered one of the top defenders in the world when in form, and he will be looking to get back to his best against Southampton.

Left-back: Diogo Dalot
With no senior left-back available, Diogo Dalot will likely complete the back four. Dalot has continued his stellar form from last season and currently leads the league in ball recoveries, making him a key player in United’s defence.

Defensive Midfielder: Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte is the player fans are most excited to see. After impressing for Uruguay during the international break, Ugarte is expected to be in contention to start. His presence in the midfield could make a significant impact, and Ten Hag may be eager to throw him straight into the action.

Central Midfielder: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo, who appeared for England over the break, was rested for their game against Finland, so he should be ready to play against Southampton. The young midfielder will be relieved to have Ugarte alongside him, reducing the defensive burden and allowing him more freedom to create play.

Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes had a standout international break for Portugal, but his performances for United this season have been somewhat underwhelming. Ten Hag will be hoping that Fernandes can carry over his international form and deliver a strong performance in the Premier League.

Right Wing: Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo was surprisingly dropped for the match against Liverpool, despite putting in a promising cameo performance. Given his impact, Diallo could be reinstated to the starting line-up against Southampton, providing United with a creative spark on the wing.

Striker: Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee, who scored for the Netherlands during the international break, will be aiming to add to his one goal for United this season. With Rasmus Hojlund still unavailable, Zirkzee has the chance to make a strong case for himself as United’s starting striker.

Left Wing: Marcus Rashford
Rounding off the predicted line-up is Marcus Rashford, who, despite some fan frustration, is expected to start ahead of Alejandro Garnacho. Rashford put in extra training over the international break and was solid in the match against Liverpool. Garnacho, on the other hand, may be given a rest.

With several key players still sidelined due to injury, Ten Hag’s squad will need to put in a strong performance to turn their fortunes around. As United seek their first victory after back-to-back losses, the pressure is on to deliver against Southampton and kickstart their season.