Manchester United started off their season with a very convincing 3-1 away win over Bournemouth. A club such as Manchester United needs to make a statement now after 3 torrid seasons under David Moyes & Louis Van Gaal. Jose Mourinho too will have a lot to prove after his sacking from his former club, Chelsea. It has been an exciting summer to be a Manchester United fan, they’ve probably got everything they’d have wished for. Firstly, Jose Mourinho’s appointment after a record 12th time FA Cup win under the Dutchman Louis Van Gaal, who failed to satisfy the United faithfuls, and that was evident with “José Mourinho” chants from a certain section of fans to let the club officials know their feelings.
With the Mourinho appointment, came his first signing in Eric Bailly, the first Ivorian to grace the Old Trafford pitch and a much needed addition at the heart of United’s defense but being a pretty much of an unknown to United fans, he didn’t create the buzz. There was something bigger to come in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish superstar joined United on a free from PSG and his name was enough to let the United fans jumping in excitement. His goal against Bournemouth showcased what he’s all about.
As the Portuguese manager wanted to strengthen the very areas where United had problems and to add creativity to his team, he signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan who has featured in both of his games, against Leicester in Community Shield and against Bournemouth from the bench. The Bundesliga Player’s player of the season might again have to wait for his full debut. The Armenian gives United a much needed balance in their attack, he has the flair and the brains to pull the trigger for United’s forwards.
Paul Pogba has returned back to his boyhood club leaving Juventus in a World record £89m deal. Pogba gives United’s midfield the steel and drive that they lacked since SAF’s era, being suspended against Bournemouth he couldn’t feature in the game but he surely will be in the team sheet for Southampton game and might get some minutes from the bench.
There are many interesting changes that might happen or might not as we predict our starting lineup for the game against Southampton.
If we go by the community shield line-up and his team against Bournemouth, Mourinho will most likely again field his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation but Juan Mata might have to sit for this game as Mkhitaryan might feature on the right wing after his few substitute performances. Also, a Herrera-Fellaini pivot could be seen again as Mourinho prefers physicality with flair in his team. Pogba might feature at some point in the game.
With Smalling possibly out of the game, Bailly and Blind will again start as the two centre-backs and Valencia after a great pre season and good recent displays will be again featuring as the United’s first choice right back with Luke Shaw as the left back. Martial will also probably maintain his place in the starting XI as he’ll also look to impress Mourinho after not so good Euros and pre-season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start as the main striker for Manchester United with Rooney being the Captain of the team will be deployed in attacking midfield position, even though he could possibly lose his position if he doesn’t step up.
So, the possible United line up could be –
