Manchester United’s bid to return to winning ways in the Premier League faces a presentable opportunity this midweek as dead-last Southampton roll into town on Thursday.
Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal was a nail-biting encounter, but Ruben Amorim’s side prevailed, securing their spot in round four after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Fans watching the game via online streaming platforms could’ve used ExpressVPN to avoid detection and enjoy one of the most nerve-shredding contests of 2024/25.
Bruno Fernandes fired Man Utd 1-0 up early in the second half, only for Gabriel Jesus to draw the Gunners level two minutes after Diogo Dalot’s expulsion.
Despite falling behind a man just after the hour mark, United endured a siege for over an hour to take the game to penalties and eventually crash Mikel Arteta’s team out of the competition.
It was a timely confidence booster for the Red Devils ahead of their must-win home encounter against Premier League basement boys Southampton at Old Trafford.
Turning point
Amorim hailed Man Utd’s fighting spirit during his post-match conference after an enthralling showdown at the Emirates Stadium went the distance.
It was a perfect response to a heart-wrenching Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in mid-December, offering United an alternate route to Europe.
However, things are not looking good in the Premier League.
Stranded a whopping 11 points adrift of sixth-placed Manchester City, Man Utd face an uphill battle to secure continental action through league football.
Still, the Red Devils enjoyed a promising start to 2025, holding pacesetters Liverpool to a stunning 2-2 draw at Anfield to snap a three-game losing run in England’s top-flight.
The Old Trafford faithful could only hope Amorim’s charges can transfer this momentum to the upcoming challenges, starting with a routine-looking home clash against Southampton.
No more distractions
United’s substandard position in the Premier League standings forbids them from letting off-field distractions derail their focus.
Marcus Rashford’s wobble requires the club’s undivided attention.
Keen to leave after falling out with Amorim, Rashford could usurp the locker room, so finding him a new destination should take priority over other transfer dealings.
Serie A giants AC Milan have emerged as the likeliest candidates to sign the unsettled Man Utd star, but they’ve yet to make any concrete move.
No more excuses
Man Utd slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in their last home league outing of 2024, bookending a sobering run of three consecutive league losses at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.
Before the Magpies, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest had put the Red Devils to the sword, highlighting the extent of a full-blown crisis at the Theatre of Dreams.
There’s no doubt that Amorim needs time to implement his ideas.
However, that’s hardly an explanation for a dismal haul of eight goals conceded across those three defeats.
Perfect opposition
One of Man Utd’s mere two away league victories this season came at St Mary’s Stadium in mid-September, as they thrashed Southampton 3-0.
It was their third consecutive clean sheet against the Saints, extending their unbeaten streak in this fixture to 15 Premier League games.
But there’s no room for complacency.
Since an iconic 9-0 triumph in February 2021, the Red Devils have drawn back-to-back home matches against Ivan Juric’s side.
Another stalemate would be unacceptable, especially considering Southampton have only claimed two points from ten road trips this season.
The Saints’ below-par tally of five away league goals must be music to United’s ears as they seek only their seventh clean sheet in 2024/25.
Final thoughts
With or without a shutout, Man Utd must get all three points here.
Otherwise, they can probably forget about bettering last season’s eighth-place finish.
