“People don’t predict United’s results, they guess them” - Chris Sutton predicts winner of Southampton vs Manchester United

Former player-turned-pundit Chris Sutton predicted the winner of the upcoming Premier League game between Southampton and Manchester United. The two sides are scheduled to face off on Saturday, September 14, at St. Mary's Stadium in the fourth gameweek of the competition.

Both clubs have not had an easy start to the season. While Manchester United have won a match and lost two, Southampton have lost three games in a row. The Red Devils sit in 14th place, and the Saints are in the relegation zone in 19th.

Chris Sutton, who played for Chelsea during his career, made his prediction ahead of the weekend clash. He started by discussing Southampton's tactics, writing on the BBC:

"With three defeats out of three, Southampton have obviously not made a great start in terms of results. There has been a lot of scrutiny of the way they play too, and of Saints boss Russell Martin’s principles in playing out from the back, with people comparing them to what Burnley were like last season.

"Martin has to have a philosophy of how he wants his team to play, though, so I do have sympathy for him. I don't believe there is a narrative against him either - it is just that, in their last game, Brentford pressed them high and they made mistakes and conceded some poor goals."

He continued, warning the Saints about the threat from the visitors, eventually predicting a win for Manchester United:

"It is going to be difficult for them against Manchester United too. Erik ten Hag's side have their own issues, which means people don't predict United's results, they guess them... but they should - should - have too much quality for Saints.

"Southampton will try to be bold but that probably means they will give up chances and, because I've seen Marcus Rashford has been having extra training sessions, I am going to back him and United to take them. Sutton's prediction: 0-2."

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Who could start for Manchester United against Southampton?

With their match against the Saints coming up, Erik ten Hag will need to determine a starting lineup to ensure all three points. The manager is expected to place Andre Onana in goal once more. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez may once again start as centre-backs, or Matthijs de Ligt could get a start.

Ten Hag has trusted Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot on the defensive flanks in previous games, and will likely continue this trend. In midfield, new signing Manuel Ugarte may not be ready, leaving the manager with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Bruno Fernandes will likely take his spot in front of the duo.

In Manchester United's attack, Marcus Rashford is expected to start alongside Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho. Rasmus Hojlund, who was the main striker last season, remains a doubt for the game due to injury.