Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton vs. Manchester United: Opposing fan’s view

By Luke Dennis

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 12, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 12, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jose Mourinho’s rejuvenated Manchester United side arrive at St. Mary’s unbeaten on Saturday, aiming to continue their impressive start to the season.

However Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton have enjoyed a full week of training at Staplewood due to their early exit from the League Cup and will perhaps have fresher legs than their opponents, who last played on Wednesday.

United have been one of the stand out sides so far in the Premier League this season and have already scored 16 goals in just five games, conceding just twice.

The Red Devil’s only stumble so far was a 2-2 draw away at Stoke who took the game to their visitors, and Southampton will have to be at their best to claim anything from Mourinho’s men.

Jamie William, a lifelong Manchester United fan has been thoroughly impressed by his side’s start to the season and is more than happy with things at the club.

"“I’m delighted with United’s start to the season, it couldn’t have been any better and it’s great to have that winning feeling back again. “We are right up there in the league and also had a good win in the first Champions League match which was further progress. This is the best side we’ve had since 2008 and we look well equipped for a genuine title challenge but it is still early days so can’t get carried away yet.”"

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mario Lemina of Southampton attempts to take the ball past Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mario Lemina of Southampton attempts to take the ball past Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

The red side of Manchester completed all of their transfers early in the summer, and the new signings have so far proven to be what was missing in their Europa League winning team of last season.

"“The manager was very decisive in the summer and went and got the players he wanted nice and early. We needed another striker to replace Zlatan, another centre-half and more muscle in midfield and that’s exactly what we’ve got. “I still think we needed another couple of players, particularly down the left, but having a good summer window has been a massive part of our strong start to this season. The main difference with this United side compared to last season is the pace, power and penetration that we possess. We are ruthless, clinical and have a killer instinct that was missing last season.More from Saints MarchingGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: ArrivalsGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: DeparturesIt’s time to talk about Gavin BazunuRain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth ArgyleA lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse“Paul Pogba has hit the ground running and the Rashford/Lukaku partnership have been firing on all cylinders which has been a massive part of our prolific form. When he came in, Jose had a squad that was essentially still a Van Gaal one, but now he has made it his and I hope he will be United manager for many years to come.”"

Southampton defeated Crystal Palace by a single goal last weekend, in just their second win of the campaign, and will now be looking to claim a victory in-front of their own fans, who will have been frustrated at the last match at home- a 2-0 defeat to Watford.

Jamie, who has been to a few Southampton games in the past, says the hosts have been average so far this season, and their continuous troubles in front of goal could cost them.

"“I would describe Southampton as solid but unspectacular so far. They have beaten two struggling sides but haven’t scored many goals which is what held them back last season so of course that is a concern for them again.“It will take Pellegrino a bit of time to find his feet and get them to gel as it does for any new manager. I can see them finishing somewhere about 8th or 9th once again this season. I expect a difficult game at St Mary’s but I think United will win it.”"

Southampton versus Manchester United kicks off at 3:00 PM tomorrow.