Manchester United Predicted XI: We predict Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting team as his side travel to high-flying Southampton in the Premier League

Manchester United Predicted XI: We predict Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting team as his side travel to high-flying Southampton in the Premier League.

To say that United’s season has been inconsistent would be an understatement, with shocking performances and results followed by decent wins in both the Premier League and in Europe.

Solskjaer’s side have won their last three games in all competitions, but face a Southampton side today who will be confident they can gain all three points at St Mary’s.

With the 2pm kick-off, the Saints have a chance to move into third position if they take three points this afternoon. And they thoroughly deserve the accolades and praise they are receiving this campaign.

It’s a huge game for both sides, but you feel the pressure is on the Red Devils to perform well, given their decent way record this season.

But which players will the United boss task with trying to secure a fourth win in a row in all competitions?

Here we predict the Manchester United starting XI to take on Southampton…

Goalkeeper:

After a very rocky campaign last year, David de Gea has been in much better form this season and is Solskjaer’s undisputed number one. The Spaniard will start to today and will have to be at his best to keep out this talented and dynamic Saints forward line.

Defenders:

United played with a back-four against West Brom last time out in the Premier League and are expected to play the same system at Old Trafford once again. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt for the game, but he should continue on the right hand side with fellow Englishman and club-captain Harry Maguire at centre-back. Alex Telles didn’t have the most impressive of Premier League debuts against West Brom but, due to Luke Shaw’s injury, should start again on the left. However, at centre-back, Victor Lindelof is struggling with a back injury so is likely to be rested with Axel Tuanzebe again stepping in to cover.

Midfielders:

Donny van de Beek performed very well in the Champions League midweek, but given the attacking threat of Southampton, we expect the summer signing to miss out once again. Solskjaer is likely to name the trusted pair of Fred and Scott McTominay in the holding midfield positions, with the first name on the team sheet Bruno Fernandes given licence to get forward and create things for United. Once again, World Cup winner Paul Pogba will find himself out the starting XI.

Forwards:

United looked short of ideas in attack against the Baggies, but looked a lot more creative in the Champions League midweek. This could mean Edinson Cavani could make his first Premier League start, spearheading the Manchester United attack. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford will play either side of the experienced marksmen and will look to use their pace and creativity to cause the Saints backline.

Predicted Manchester United XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Tuanzebe, Telles; McTominay, Fred, Fernandes; Martial, Rashford, Cavani.