Man Utdvs.Southampton

Diogo Dalot was sent off for two bookable offences in the Red Devils' FA Cup third-round win over Arsenal last weekend and will subsequently serve a one-match suspension.

Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans (both unspecified) have all been sidelined, of late, and will not be in contention to return against the Saints.

Amidst uncertainty surrounding his future, Marcus Rashford has not featured for Man United since December 12. The attacker was not involved against Arsenal despite recovering from illness and his availability remains up in the air ahead of Thursday's contest.

Harry Maguire picked up a knock in the closing stages of United's win at Arsenal, but he should be fit to start at the heart of a three-man defence once again alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. Leny Yoro is pushing for a start, though.

Despite his inspired performance between the sticks against Arsenal, Altay Bayindir is not expected to start for a second successive game, as first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana is in line to return.

The absence of Dalot could see Tyrell Malacia recalled at left wing-back as Noussair Mazraoui continues on the right, while Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo appear to be Ruben Amorim's first-choice midfielders at present.

Amad Diallo managed to shake off a knock to feature as a substitute last time out and he is now hoping to force his way back into the first XI ahead of Alejandro Garnacho. Captain Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, will retain his spot in an advanced role, with either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee leading the line.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Mainoo, Malacia; Diallo, Fernandes; Hojlund

Written by

Oliver Thomas