Manchester United are unbeaten in 16 meetings with Southampton, albeit winning only half of them, while the Saints' only two victories at Old Trafford in 32 attempts since 1988 came in back-to-back seasons in 2015 and 2016, both under Ronald Koeman, both 1-0 but both also in the month of January. They couldn't again, could they?
Manchester United vs Southampton Preview
After back-to-back encouraging results on the road to commence 2025, can Manchester United kick on and win their first home fixture since that miserable night against Newcastle? On Sunday, the FA Cup holders, somehow, made it through to round four. Away at Arsenal, the Red Devils struck first though Bruno Fernandes, only to see Diogo Dalot sent off soon after, with the Gunners equalising from the subsequent free-kick.
Down a man for half an hour, Rúben Amorim's team held on, then doing so during extra time too, despite this man disadvantage, meaning to a penalty shootout we went, with Altay Bayındır the hero, saving a spot-kick not only in the game, but during the shootout out, sparking wild celebrations from the 8,000 away fans.
A week earlier, Man United had held league-leaders Liverpool to a credible 2-2 draw at Anfield, with Lisandro Martínez and Amad on target, before Harry Maguire skied a golden chance to snatch a famous victory on Merseyside. Nevertheless, the Red Devils remain 13th in the Premier League table, yielding a miserly four points from their last seven league outings, losing three successive home league games for the first time in 45 years.
Fair to say, if Man United were to lose this one, it would be one of the biggest upsets in Premier League history. That's because, after 20 matches, Southampton have a miserly six points to their name, in serious danger of breaking Derby's lowest-ever points record of 11, set in 2007/08. Since his arrival, Ivan Jurić has lost all three league matches he's overseen, most-recently witnessing a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Brentford, albeit there were very few supporters left in attendance at St Mary's by the time the Bees struck twice in stoppage time.
Thus, Sunday's 3-0 FA Cup win over Swansea was a rare highlight of an otherwise bleak season for the Saints; Kamaldeen Sulemana breaking the deadlock before Tyler Dibling struck twice by the South Coast. Now though, having lost 25 of their last 33 Premier League matches, winning just once while winless in 17 on the road, surely Southampton can't spring a massive surprise at Old Trafford on Thursday night? Right?
Manchester United vs Southampton Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 134.
- Manchester United Wins: 69. Draws: 37. Southampton Wins: 28.
Manchester United Team News
Diogo Dalot's red card on Sunday means he is suspended, while Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf and Mason Mount are all sidelined and Marcus Rashford remains in the proverbial wilderness. In Dalot's absence, most would expect Noussair Mazraoui and Amad to be the wing-backs, although Rúben Amorim could go with either Toby Collyer or Tyrell Malacia, both of whom came off the bench at Arsenal. Despite Altay Bayındır heroics, André Onana will be back in goal while, having converted the winning penalty In North London, Joshua Zirkzee will be feeling much better about lift, given that he was cheered off during Man United's most-recent home game.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Southampton: (3-4-3): Onana; Maguire, de Ligt, Martínez; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Garnacho, Højlund.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Southampton
Bruno Fernandes slotted home his seventh of the season on Sunday, while he has previously netted three times against Southampton, one of which came during the infamous 9-0 in 2021.
Southampton Team News
Jack Stephens, new signing Welington, Flynn Downes and Ross Stewart are injured, but teenaged centre-back Joachim Kayi Sanda could make his debut, having arrived from Valenciennes. In goal, the Saints have already deployed three different goalkeepers this season, but that could increase to four soon, after Gavin Bazunu played in a U21s match last Friday, aiming to feature for the first time since rupturing his ACL in April.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (5-4-1): Ramsdale; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Ugochukwu, Aribo, Dibling; Onuachu, Armstrong.
Southampton Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Tyler Dibling caught the eye during the reverse fixture in September so, having scored twice against Swansea on Sunday, will be the Saints' primary goal threat once again.
Manchester United vs Southampton Prediction
Despite Manchester United's recent miserable form at Old Trafford, we cannot see beyond a home win, due to the fact the Red Devils are improving, but largely because Southampton are just generally hopeless, sometimes it's a simple as that: Manchester United 3-0 Southampton.
Manchester United vs Southampton FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester United vs Southampton Premier League game on TV channel?
Manchester United vs Southampton Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester United vs Southampton Premier League game on live streaming?
Manchester United vs Southampton Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester United vs Southampton in the Premier League?
Manchester United vs Southampton in the Premier League takes place on Thursday 16 January 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PST).