After two positive results against Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester United must do what has been hardest for the team this season: beat the smaller club. United hosts 20th-placed Southampton on Thursday with an opportunity to continue building momentum and squash all talks of a possible relegation.
Team News
Diogo Dalot, who leads Manchester United in appearances this season, will miss Thursday’s match due to suspension. The 25-year-old’s red card in the FA Cup match against Arsenal also applies to the Premier League. As a result, he will not be available for the game against Southampton, but he will be eligible to play in the FA Cup Fourth Round against Leicester City. Tyrell Malacia should get the start in his place after a positive impact off the bench on Sunday.
Harry Maguire limped off in extra time against Arsenal, and while the injury does not appear serious, the 31-year-old could be rested on Thursday. The England international has been immense in recent matches and will be a crucial part of a revival in the second half of the season.
Joshua Zirkzee may earn a starting position after scoring the winning penalty in the FA Cup Third Round shootout. He came close to scoring in extra time, which would have given United a late lead, and he delivered an overall strong performance following a challenging period in recent weeks.
Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount remain out due to injuries picked up in 2024.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford are nearing exits from the club and will not play a part against the Saints. Both players have been left out of the past several matchday squads and likely have played for the last time at Manchester United.
Lineup Prediction
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez
Midfielders: Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Tyrell Malacia
Attackers: Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee
United Beyond Manchester 
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