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Thursday 16 January 2025 12:15
Ruben Amorim faces a couple of selection headaches as Manchester United host Southampton in a Thursday night Premier League clash.
The 20:00 GMT kick-off provides an opportunity for the Reds to continue a strong start to 2025, with a creditable draw at Anfield against Liverpool and a memorable penalty shoot-out win in the Emirates FA Cup over Arsenal.
It’s the circumstances of that latter game which provides the first clear debate for Amorim, with full-back Diogo Dalot being sent off 61 minutes in. He’s thus suspended for our game with Southampton.
Ahead of another Old Trafford night under the lights, we’ve been playing our popular United Predictions game alongside MUTV pundits Wes Brown and Ben Thornley. Join in guessing who will replace Diogo, and whether Ruben might give a starting spot to those who impressed off the bench at the Emirates Stadium, like Toby Collyer, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia.
Predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes if you do.
So, who comes in for Dalot? Well, two-time UEFA Champions League winner Wes Brown expects a more attacking line-up as a result of the Portuguese international’s suspension.
Check out his full predictions below before making your own…
WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Score: United 3-0 Southampton
First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
Wes predicts Amad to start at wing-back in place of Dalot. The in-form Ivorian signed a new long-term United contract recently and has been in sparkling form for several months now.
In our most recent fixtures, Amad has primarily started as one of the two forwards playing behind the striker, but in Amorim’s first few teams as head coach after his November arrival, Amad was utilised in the wing-back position.
Whether it’s a decision of necessity or a desire to take the game to the visiting Saints on Thursday evening, Wes thinks Amad will return to that deeper role.
Who will replace Diogo Dalot against Newcastle?pollWho will replace Diogo Dalot against Newcastle?Brown expects no further changes to the backline which fought so resolutely in north London last Sunday, and the same is true for the starting midfield and front line.
BEN THORNLEY’S PREDICTIONS
United XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia; Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund.
Score: United 3-0 Southampton
First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund
Man of the Match: Manuel Ugarte
Ben Thornley is expecting another dominant midfield performance from Manuel Ugarte, whose confidence and influence have grown equally over the last six weeks. The Uruguayan has been pivotal in games at Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. Ben thinks he’ll be Man of the Match against Southampton.
Ben’s opted for the same scoreline — a confident 3-0 prediction — and first goalscorer (Rasmus Hojlund) as Wes Brown, but differs in his starting line-up selection. The Academy graduate thinks Leny Yoro will come in for Harry Maguire, who was a colossus in victory at Arsenal but came off after 104 minutes.
“We just have some doubts on players who were really tired in the last game,” said Ruben Amorim, when asked for a team news update.
How many changes will Ruben Amorim make to face Southampton?pollHow many changes will Ruben Amorim make to face Southampton?“We cannot afford to lose players for many games and our players are ready to cope with the demands of the game. There are no changes in the players available.”
At wing-back, Ben’s backing Tyrell Malacia to be Diogo Dalot’s replacement, with Amad instead filling one of the roles behind Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho dropping to the bench.
WHAT BRUNO WANTS TO SEE
“We have a massive game,” Bruno Fernandes told external broadcasters this week.
“Southampton are fighting for their lives, they want to stay in the Premier League, and they really need points. But we need to turn this around and look at ourselves and say, we also need points. We have to think we need points more than them, and that has to be our aim for every game: the opponent needs so much, but we need it more than them.
“Obviously it helps always when you have time to train and prepare the games a little bit more, it’s important. But I think in this two [last] games it was more about the passion, the desire and everything, about how much you want to win the game. Everyone is really aware what he demands from us positioning-wise and tactical wise, I think we’re getting to the level that he wants on effort, running, passion and desire to win games. I think we still have a lot to improve, for me, in both aspects, but we will do it.”
PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS
Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.
You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.
With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!
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Thursday 16 January 2025 12:15
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