New signing not in Man Utd's starting XI against Southampton
Manchester United will seek to recover after two successive defeats in the Premier League when they visit Southampton on September 14 at 12:30 UK time.
Erik the Hag faces a race against time to secure his job as head coach after being tactically outclassed by Brighton and Liverpool on the last two occasions.
Here's how Man Utd could line up against the Saints.
Goalie – It would be a mistake to blame André Onana for Manchester United’s recent failures. The Cameroonian will retain his place in the starting XI and will be looking to keep a clean sheet for the second time this season against a team that has lost all three of its Premier League games so far this campaign.
Defenders – Luke Shaw remains a doubt, so Diogo Dalot will once again be at left-back. The Portuguese has been brilliant for his country and has been one of United's best players this season. Noussair Mazraoui will be at right-back for Manchester United this weekend.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have established themselves as Erik ten Hag's options in the centre of defence. Although the Dutch international has failed to impress in the Nations League in recent weeks, he could form a defensive partnership with two former Ajax Amsterdam stars if he gets the nod ahead of Harry Maguire.
Manuel Ugarte needs time
Midfielders – Manuel Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the last days of the transfer window and Ten Hag has revealed that The Uruguayan could take months to achieve the desired level of fitness. Therefore, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will keep their places in the double pivot with the loss of Ugarte.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes scored for Portugal against Scotland in the Nations League and will look to transfer his fine form to club level when playing as an attacking midfielder for United. The captain should be flanked by Marcus Rashford on his left and Alejandro Garnacho on his right.
Forward – Joshua Zirkzee is expected to play as the lone striker with Rasmus Hojlund The Dutchman, who is still in the final stages of his recovery from the injury he suffered at the start of the season, will complete a team that has not changed since the defeat against Liverpool a fortnight ago.
This is what United will look like on paper:
