Manchester United host Southampton this Sunday after the Premier League makes its return after a weekend of exhilarating FA Cup fixtures. Here are 5 things to keep an eye on for Sunday’s clash:
1. Returning players.
The main problem that has circulated throughout the ranks at Manchester United is injury. Louis van Gaal has been desperately unlucky in terms of missing players through injury, but with only one first team player in Ashley Young currently injured, he has a whole host of players to choose from. Players like Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw are all in contention to start Sunday’s game, which is a massive boost for United.
2. A Southampton side hungry for revenge.
After what was a poor away performance in this fixture’s reverse tie, Manchester United still managed to steal the three points due to a Robin van Persie brace. Even Van Gaal himself admitted that his side were ‘lucky,’ which will make a strong Southampton side even hungrier to take something away from Old Trafford.
3. A chance for United to show their intent.
Not often have this many players been available for selection this season under Van Gaal, so this is a fantastic opportunity for Manchester United to show that they mean business. They head into battle on Sunday against a recently impressive Southampton side, who seem to have been revitalised under Ronald Koeman. They sit 4th in the Premier League table, too. Now, the game will be far from a walk in the park for the Red Devils, but Sunday marks an excellent chance to demonstrate what a threat they can be with a near-full strength outfit.
4. A different performance compared to the reverse fixture.
Alongside the constant plaguing of injuries, United have also found major issues with performing away from home like they do at Old Trafford. This was portrayed when Van Gaal’s squad travelled to St. Mary’s, where United returned home with a frankly undeserved 3 points. However, the home performances have been entirely different. This season, Old Trafford is slowly turning back into the fortress that Sir Alex Ferguson so carefully crafted, before David Moyes tarnished it somewhat. Recording wins hasn’t been a problem at home, and their displays have been far more convincing than what they have shown away from home.
5. A start for Angel di Maria?
The Argentine appeared for the last 30 minutes or so against Yeovil in the FA Cup last Sunday, so is definitely in contention for a start after returning from injury. The 26-year-old’s deft chip saw United sail through to the next round of the cup with a 2-0 win. Di Maria has emphasised his talent several times this season, and the Old Trafford Faithful are desperate to see his name back on the teamsheet.
