What Twitter's Saying About Manchester United's Clash with Southampton

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will head into Saturday’s clash with Southampton without his, er, headband. 

In Southampton, the Red Devils face as stern a test as they have had so far this season.

The reigning Premier League champions will have to beat a team that has already picked up three well-earned points from Anfield. Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino believes that his side can match that feat at Old Trafford:

A Tough Game to Call

Pochettino has done a marvellous job since taking over at Southampton last season. His side are sitting pretty in fourth and go into Saturday’s game looking to pick up three points.

Speaking to his club’s media channel Saints Player, Pochettino said:

"

I think all games in the Premier League are exciting, and this is a very good chance for us to show what we can do as a team. It's going to be very difficult but we are going there with a positive mentality. I think both teams have changed since we last played them and I am very happy with how the squad is performing these days.

"

United, meanwhile, return after the international break having come from behind to win against Sunderland last time out.

Given how United have started the season overall, however, it’s difficult to predict how they will fare against a promising Saints side. Much will depend on Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, one would imagine.

Everybody loves an infographic, and here’s a great one from Man United ahead of what should be a close game: 

Despite United enjoying success over Southampton in recent years, last season’s two games were keenly contested. Saturday’s game will likely continue that trend.

James Maw of FourFourTwo predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for Man Utd though and reports that David Moyes has used 24 players this season—the most in the Premier League.

Check out Maw’s rundown ahead of the game here: 

As Maw alludes to, Moyes has yet to find his best XI since taking over and has experimented with different lineups. Doing the same against Southampton is risky.

After a poor showing against West Brom in the last home game at Old Trafford, United need to start quickly and be steady at the back.

United have made a stuttering start to the season, and Twitter folk seem split on who will come out on top.

Southampton don’t concede very often, but United have tremendous firepower.

It might be a case of the immovable object meeting the unstoppable force.


Time to Step Up

If David Moyes and his players have title-winning ambitions this season, they must win on Saturday.

There’s no doubting that Southampton are a very good team, but United must step up and secure the three points.

If you can’t beat Southampton at home, then can you have any realistic chance of winning the title? Probably not.

There have been plenty of jokes following United’s indifferent start to the season. Starting on Saturday though, United’s players have the chance to make sure that they have the last laugh. 

How do you think the game will pan out? How will United fare against a strong Saints side? Let us know what you think…