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Southampton vs Manchester United: Where the game will be won and lost

By Edward Waugh

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton battles for possession with Ashley Young of Manchester United in the air during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton battles for possession with Ashley Young of Manchester United in the air during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Stefan Johansen of Fulham challenges Sofiane Boufal of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on August 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Stefan Johansen of Fulham challenges Sofiane Boufal of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage on August 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /

Boufal vs Wan-Bissaka

The resurgence of the Moroccan playmaker has been a blessing in disguise for Ralph Hasnehuttl and his men; and in particular this weekend with injury blows to impactful players such as Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo, both rated Southampton’s best players this season so far.

Boufal has shown some real promise however when he has featured, and in particular against Brighton last weekend made a real difference when introduced onto the pitch; setting up Nathan Redmond late on in the game to score his first goal of the season and insure the Saints three points against the well-improved Seagulls.

In terms of where the Moroccan-international fits into the line-up though is another question, Ralph Hasenhuttl has favoured a 3-5-2 or 4-2-2-2 opposition depending, but the latter would make the most sense in fitting Boufal in and as well put Manchester United on the back-foot as they could be pressed more effectively with this system.

Boufal would most likely be operated at the left-side of the midfield, and the key battle for him would be against another new United addition in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is defensively astound. Depending on who has the better game, it could make the difference in Southampton scoring, or the Manchester club keeping a clean sheet.