The last week has seen Manchester United‘s title ambitions dented and a new set of aspirations quickly drawn up.
The Red Devils have now won just one of their last four Premier League matches, a narrow victory over Fulham sandwiching draws with Liverpool and Arsenal and a shock defeat to Sheffield United.
A club Premier League record run of 18 away games unbeaten remains intact, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side now return to Old Trafford to host a Southampton side who have suffered a dip in form of their own.
Solskjaer has confirmed he has no new injury worries, with Scott McTominay expected to have recovered from the stomach cramps which forced him off in the stalemate against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Eric Bailly was an unused substitute on that occasion but the centre-back could return in place of Victor Lindelof alongside Harry Maguire.
Man Utd team news
Indeed, Solskjaer hinted that the only tweaks he will make to his starting XI will be based on match fitness following a run of five games in 13 days.
“Apart from the wear and tear and quick turnaround everyone should be available,” the United boss said on Monday.
“They’re not injured anyway, it’s just a matter of energy levels and see how they feel tomorrow, no new fresh injuries anyway.”
Phil Jones has been added to United’s 25-man squad after the club declined to make any signings on deadline day. The defender is still recovering from a knee operation.
Diallo not ready
The major arrival in January was Amad Diallo, who finally made his way to England from Atalanta after an initial deal was agreed in October.
The 18-year-old made his first appearance for United in a 6-3 victory over Liverpool U23s on Saturday, taking just 14 minutes to score his first goal. The Ivorian then doubled his tally with a panenka from the spot.
That has been enough to get United fans excited, but Solskjaer insists the teenager will not be rushed into the first team.
“We’re going to give him the time to settle in and keep showing his skills, improving, get used to England and our way,” he said. “If we go from that game, I’d pick Joe Hugill. Scored four goals, should have taken the penalty and got five instead of giving it to Amad, so Amad got two.
“But Amad has come in and does well in training, he’s got very good, close technique, he’ll open up defences, so I don’t think it’s gonna be too long before he’s involved in a matchday squad.”
Manchester United’s predicted XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Pogba, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
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