Southampton look for first home win against Manchester United in 16 years

Southampton welcome Manchester United to St Mary’s hoping to put right a horrific record against the Red Devils.

Despite managing a couple of famous 1-0 victories at Old Trafford in recent years, including that Charlie Austin winner on his debut, Saints have struggled when playing in front of their home crowd.

The last time Manchester United tasted defeat in Southampton was back in 2003, conveniently a match played on the very same date, August 31st.

Southampton come into the game in better form, having won their last two outings, both away from home and keeping a clean sheet in each.

Manchester United meanwhile have struggled since that 4-0 opening day win against Chelsea, drawing 1-1 with Wolves before going down 2-1 to Crystal Palace via a last minute winner by Patrick Van Aanholt.

Team news

Southampton are without star winger Nathan Redmond who suffered an ankle injury in the win over Fulham, Moussa Djenepo will also miss the game with a muscle problem. Micheal Obafemi suffered cramp after scoring the winner at Craven Cottage and isn’t expected to be risked this weekend.

Manchester United are without Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw, both of whom are struggling with injury. Chris Smalling has left for Serie A and Rome so the central defence pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof is under little pressure for their places.

Ralph Hassenhuttl

Ahead of the game, Hassenhuttl told the press;

“Against the big teams, it’s always a good time to play them if you play good yourself.

“It’s about focusing on our game and the last two games showed a development. We were more organised in the defence which meant fewer chances for the opponent.

“We have a big chance with the win to overtake Manchester United. It’s a good chance and we will do everything in the stadium to get a good result.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer was quizzed about his forward options with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez leaving for Inter Milan, with Mason Greenwood now third choice;

“Mason is not used to playing as little as he is at the moment.

“He is used to playing every week for the reserves or the Under-18s, now he’s coming on for half-an-hour here and there. He’s not expected to play five games in a row of course, he’s cover and an option behind Anthony and Marcus.”

Head-to-head

Southampton have not won this fixture in 16 years, in a 1-0 win, which was a late winner by James Beattie and managed just three points from the last 21 available against the Red Devils.

The last meeting also saw a late winner as the now departed Romelu Lukaku scored his second in the 88th minute to win the match 3-2.