It’s not easy to take on a job as big as the manager of Manchester United. This is why the Glazers always opt for an experienced coach who understands the game and produces results within the right framework. While the process is time-consuming, Manchester United don’t have the luxury of time as league leaders Manchester City and a top-four finish for the club are far down the horizon. 

So a game against Southampton at home could be seen as an opportunity to take all three points and give the fans what they need. But let’s not disregard Southampton because the fixture is far from being an easy one. 

We are now at matchday 25 of 38

Matchday 25 of 38 promises to be thrilling with fixtures like Leicester City vs West Ham and of course, Manchester United vs Southampton. The game week has a lot of exciting games to offer and by exploring the same, you will be able to get the kind of weekend that you have been looking for. 

But if you are a United fan or one of Southampton, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind and this preview aims to give you a detailed analysis of everything. So whether you are going to be supporting the club from the stands or sitting at home and watching the game while also looking at your bets through football betting, the following is what you need to keep in mind. 

Date and Venue 

Manchester United will take on Southampton on the 12th of February at Old Trafford. 

Assessing all that could happen at Old Trafford 

The need to set a new record 

Manchester United will be heading into this fixture with the sole purpose of gaining three points at home. That is the kind of winning mentality that the red half of Manchester experienced under Sir Alex Ferguson. Since his era will hardly be forgotten, any other manager who steps up for the job will have a tough time dealing with the trophy cabinet that has not seen anything new for years. 

So if United want to add something there or if, more realistically, want a top-four finish, these are some of the fixtures that they could go after.

The Saints have set things straight

Southampton doesn’t seem to be the same old team from the previous season. While they aren’t winning all fixtures, there’s a bit of charm to their style of play and it is something that is catching everyone’s attention. Their games against Brentford, Tottenham and other such fixtures have shown a difference where Ralph Hasenhutti was able to see through the opponent’s tactics and push his team to the limit. 

Whether or not he will be able to do the same at Old Trafford is a question that we need to ask and remind ourselves on the 12th of February. 

Is the gegenpressing working?

It’s safe to say that the hype around the appointment of Ralf Rangnick could not match the intensity that he was known to bring to the game. While United have showcased some form of improvement, it is not what the fans need and honestly, it is not what the players need. With players like Luke Shaw previously questioning the togetherness of United, the next few fixtures, up until the end of the season, are going to be important.

However, the main question of the hour is whether or not the gegenpressing is working or as the memes describe, is it going down the road to be depressing. Ever since Rangnick took charge of United, everything from the formation to the playing style has been questioned. While they have surely brought a new form of pressing into their play, it might not be enough to face teams like Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea. 

So will things work according to Ralf’s plan? Will we ever see the successful formula for gegenpressing? Look to answer all these questions with your footballing knowledge and if you are ready to put some money into the mix, go ahead to consider the services of BritainBet.  

Can Southampton turn things around? 

If there’s one thing that Southampton could take advantage of, then it has to be the 4-2-2-2 formation. While Ragnick takes time to work his way with this formation, Ralph Hasenhutti, who has more experience in the Premier League, can look for ways to devise this plan. Since Hasenhuttl might go with a defence heavy formation, we might be able to see a back four that aims to place its control on the midfield. 

As the wing-backs aim for the run, Southampton could be a serious threat and if United aren’t alert then things could go wrong. So United cannot come up with excuses and if they do, fans at Old Trafford might give out the same boos. 

Manchester United vs Southampton: Head-to-head

It’s not hard to guess the head-to-head record between these clubs. Thanks to the dominant years of Manchester United and their capability to outsmart teams like Southampton, the head-to-head stats stand with United by a huge margin. Out of the 45 games played between these teams in the Premier League, only 10 have been drawn. 

Notable fixtures 

• Southampton vs Manchester United - 1-1
  • St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
  • 22nd August 2021

The reverse fixture that took place at the start of the season showcased a few problems that United had to face and it was more or less a sign of things to come. Drawing to Southampton for an away game was not what United fans had in mind when they travelled to St.Mary's Stadium.

• Manchester United vs Southampton - 9-0
  • Old Trafford, Manchester 
  • 2nd February 2021

Southampton would never want to remember their last visit to Old Trafford because it was more than just a nightmare. A goal fest of epic proportions and to top it all, two bookies in the 2nd minute and 86th minute of the game.