(4-2-3-1)Manuel Ugarte debut, Deligt to bench Maguire”, possible Man United line up vs Southampton – as new manager vows to correct past mistakes

Manchester United will soon take on Southampton in a crucial Premier League encounter, aiming to turn their season around after a challenging start under manager Erik ten Hag. The team has faced setbacks but will be hoping for a stronger performance after the international break.

Key players like Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund are expected to return from injuries, providing a much-needed boost. Shaw’s experience at left-back and Højlund’s attacking presence up front could significantly enhance United’s chances. However, it’s uncertain if both will start immediately, especially Shaw, as there might be some hesitation about rushing him back into action. Højlund, on the other hand, may feature if his fitness levels are adequate.

A significant debut could also be on the horizon for new signing Manuel Ugarte. Having gained match fitness while playing for Uruguay during the international break, Ugarte is ready for his first appearance in United colors. However, with limited training time with his new teammates, Ten Hag might decide to hold off on starting him. This could mean Casemiro, despite struggling against Liverpool in United’s last match, will continue to anchor the midfield.

As United looks to recover, there’s speculation that Ten Hag may revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has worked for them in the past. Here’s a potential starting lineup for the upcoming game:

1. **Goalkeeper – Andre Onana:** Despite a tough game against Liverpool, Onana remains the team’s first-choice keeper. His shot-stopping ability and distribution make him a crucial player, and he’s likely to start again, as Ten Hag looks to stabilize the defensive unit.

2. **Center-back – Matthijs de Ligt:** The Dutch defender, who had a relatively solid game in the face of Liverpool’s attack, should retain his place in the starting XI. De Ligt brings a strong physical presence and calmness on the ball, making him one of the team’s key defensive figures.

3. **Center-back – Lisandro Martinez:** Martinez’s defensive acumen and aggressive style make him a lock in the starting lineup. United needs consistency at the back, and pairing Martinez with de Ligt could form the foundation of a more resilient defense.

4. **Right-back – Noussair Mazraoui:** Mazraoui has adjusted well to life at Old Trafford. After a string of decent performances, he should be given another chance to impress, providing both defensive cover and offensive support down the right flank.
5. **Left-back – Diogo Dalot:** With Luke Shaw just returning from injury, Ten Hag may decide not to risk him immediately, allowing Dalot to continue on the left side of defense. Dalot’s adaptability and work rate have proven valuable, and he’ll be expected to handle the defensive duties effectively.

6. **Defensive Midfield – Casemiro:** Despite his struggles, especially in the heavy defeat to Liverpool, Casemiro’s experience and leadership make him hard to drop. He will be given the opportunity to redeem himself and assert control in midfield, even if Ugarte is waiting in the wings for his debut.

7. **Defensive Midfield – Kobbie Mainoo:** Although Mainoo hasn’t been at his best lately, his youthful energy and potential are undeniable. Ten Hag may opt to keep him in the starting lineup, but he will need to find his form quickly to avoid being overwhelmed by Southampton’s midfield.

8. **Attacking Midfield – Amad Diallo:** Diallo has consistently impressed with his performances this season and deserves to be given a starting role in the attacking midfield. His creativity and flair could provide United with the edge they need to unlock Southampton’s defense.

9. **Attacking Midfield – Bruno Fernandes:** As United’s primary playmaker, Fernandes will be keen to lead by example. Despite the team’s recent struggles, his vision and passing ability are essential to United’s attacking play, and he will be eager to inspire a winning performance.

10. **Striker – Rasmus Højlund:** If fit, Højlund is expected to spearhead United’s attack. He remains the only senior natural striker in the squad, and his return could add a much-needed focal point for United’s forward play.

11. **Striker – Marcus Rashford:** Rashford was arguably United’s best performer against Liverpool, and his pace and finishing make him a constant threat. Playing in a two-striker formation alongside Højlund could allow Rashford to exploit space and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

With this lineup, Erik ten Hag will be looking to correct the mistakes from earlier games and steer Manchester United back on the path to success. While there are still questions about whether some players are fully fit, this match against Southampton could be the turning point United desperately needs in their season.
It looks like Erik ten Hag is aiming for a balance of experience and energy in Manchester United’s upcoming match against Southampton, especially considering the challenges faced early in the season. Here’s a quick analysis of the potential starting lineup:

### Key Points:

1. **Returning Players – Shaw and Højlund:** The potential return of Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund is crucial. Shaw’s defensive solidity and ability to contribute offensively as a left-back provide stability and depth. However, Ten Hag might be cautious about starting him immediately due to his recent injury. On the other hand, Højlund’s inclusion is likely if his fitness permits, as his presence could give United a much-needed attacking edge.

2. **New Signing – Manuel Ugarte:** Ugarte’s potential debut could be a game-changer in midfield. While he has gained fitness during the international break, his lack of integration with the team may prompt Ten Hag to introduce him later in the game. Casemiro’s continued role as a midfield anchor would provide both leadership and a familiar presence, even if his recent form has been patchy.

3. **Defensive Duo – De Ligt and Martinez:** The center-back pairing of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez suggests a solid defensive strategy. De Ligt’s composure and Martinez’s aggressive style could form a formidable partnership capable of handling Southampton’s forward threats.

4. **Defensive Setup – Mazraoui and Dalot:** Noussair Mazraoui at right-back and Diogo Dalot potentially at left-back reflect flexibility in Ten Hag’s defensive tactics. Mazraoui’s ability to support the attack while maintaining defensive duties complements Dalot’s adaptability, especially with Shaw’s fitness still a concern.

5. **Midfield Dynamics – Casemiro and Mainoo:** The combination of Casemiro’s experience and Kobbie Mainoo’s youthful energy is intended to create a balanced midfield. Mainoo, however, will need to elevate his game to match the intensity and physicality of Premier League encounters, especially in a must-win situation like this one.

6. **Creative Force – Fernandes and Diallo:** Bruno Fernandes remains pivotal to United’s attacking creativity, while Amad Diallo’s potential inclusion as an attacking midfielder could offer a fresh and unpredictable element to break down defenses. Diallo’s form this season has shown promise, and his creativity might be just what United needs.

7. **Striking Duo – Højlund and Rashford:** If Ten Hag opts for a two-striker formation, the combination of Højlund and Marcus Rashford could be lethal. Rashford’s speed and clinical finishing, alongside Højlund’s positioning and strength, would pose significant challenges for Southampton’s defense.

### Tactical Approach:

Reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation could help Manchester United regain their defensive solidity while allowing fluid transitions in attack. With Ten Hag looking to address previous mistakes and optimize his lineup, this match against Southampton indeed has the potential to mark a positive turning point in United’s season.

It will be interesting to see how Ten Hag manages player fitness, integrates new signings like Ugarte, and addresses the areas of improvement needed to secure a crucial win.