“Manchester United have been bang average” - Alan Shearer makes bold result prediction as Red Devils prepare to face Southampton

Alan Shearer has backed newly promoted Southampton to get a point in their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United. The two sides are set to face off at the St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday, September 14.

The Red Devils finished their lowest-ever eighth in the Premier League last season. They have started this season poorly as well, losing two of their first three games. They beat Fulham 1-0 in their opening game before losing 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion and 3-0 against Liverpool.

They will now take on newly promoted Southampton away on Saturday and hope to bounce back. However, Premier League legend Alan Shearer doesn't believe Manchester United can beat the Saints. He wrote in his column for Metro:

"This is a huge game for both sides. Southampton have to start picking up points, especially now Leicester don’t look to be getting deducted any points.

"Southampton have been struggling to put the ball in the back of the net and finishing the chances they’ve created, so when they do get them, they have to start taking them. That’s where they have to improve massively."

Shearer slammed Manchester United's performances this season, writing:

"I think Man United have been bang average so far this season, which is why there’s a lot of talk around Ten Hag, so this is a huge game for both clubs and could have huge ramifications going forward.

"There’ll be so much noise if Man United don’t win this game, particularly with the start to the season Southampton have had too. If Man United were to go there and fail to win, or even worse, be beaten, then the noise around the job and everything else at the club would rank up a notch or three. I’ll go for a draw."

Southampton have lost all three Premier League games this season so far despite dominating possession in each of them.

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Erik ten Hag provides Manchester United team news ahead of Southampton clash

The Red Devils have been without striker Rasmus Hojlund and left-back Luke Shaw for the first three league games this season due to injury. Erik ten Hag confirmed that they will remain out against Southampton as well.

Meanwhile, new signing Manuel Ugarte, who is yet to feature for Manchester United, will be available for the clash. In a pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said (via manutd.com):

“Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, they are progressing very well but are not ready for this game.

"Manuel Ugarte, I think we all have seen he played for Uruguay. He returned this afternoon, he was the only player who returned today. All the other players returned yesterday, so he is available for this game.”

Manchester United have some key matches coming up across competitions this month. After Southampton, they will face Barnsley at home in the EFL Cup third round on September 17.

They will then take on Crystal Palace away on September 21 before hosting Twente in the UEFA Europa League three days later. They will end September by hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on the 29th.