LIVE – Manchester United vs Southampton – Ronaldo and Casemiro in, Confirm Starting XI

United won their first game of the season against Liverpool earlier this week, which came after two defeats to Brighton and Brentford. United was at their best on the counter-attack against Liverpool, and they deserved to win.

Erik ten Hag’s team will be aiming to generate some momentum after beating Liverpool, and they have that opportunity this weekend against Southampton. Southampton leads United in the table with four points after three games this season.

Ten Hag’s team selection for Liverpool startled many, but his bold decisions were rewarded on the field.

Luckhurst, Samuel

Ten Hag may be tempted to stick with the same side, but considering Casemiro’s options, it would be nonsensical.

Martial replaced Anthony Elanga, who had been adequate in United’s barnstorming first 45 minutes against Liverpool, for the second half in a tactical masterstroke. That was especially true of Ten Hag, who had been sluggish from the dugout against Brighton.

Marcus Rashford looked more dangerous from the left, while Elanga looked like a forward who hadn’t scored since February. Ten Hag has access to the greatest goalscorer of all time.

Casemiro feels the same way. Easing new recruits into a team has always seemed like a futile tactic to me. Casemiro is one of the best defensive midfielders in the game, and United will need more from their midfield today because they will control possession. When he has the ball, Scott McTominay is limited.