[Poborsky's hair]

They will press like hell and leave lot of spaces behind.

If Cavani is fit, bring him in else same team !

Why are people so obsessed with Cavani, he's only training for a week and Greenwood is incredibly match fit and in form and in form better than Cavani after vacation 1000% Edi might get some minutes of the bench though in the dying minutes..

 

[Steve 007]

Why are people so obsessed with Cavani, he's only training for a week and Greenwood is incredibly match fit and in form and in form better than Cavani after vacation 1000% Edi might get some minutes of the bench though in the dying minutes..

Same team except James our for Sancho.
I’d love to see Varane but it’s harsh as Lindelof was excellent on Saturday.
Hopefully VDB, Marshall and Cavani can get a few minutes in.

 

[red_de_pologne]

Same team except James our for Sancho.
I’d love to see Varane but it’s harsh as Lindelof was excellent on Saturday.
Hopefully VDB, Marshall and Cavani can get a few minutes in.

You think we won't play Rafael fecking Varane because it's harsh on Lindelof?? He walks into the first 11 no doubt

 

[Ali Dia]

I wouldn't be chucking Varane as a starter, Lindelof just had a great match and I think that's half due to competition now, doesn't say much if you lose your spot after a great performance, what is he fighting for? A bit extra time to gel with his team mates won't be a bad thing for Varane either. The RW spot is a lot less competition with James for the moment and Sancho has played with several of these players before such as Maguire, Rashford, Shaw etc from the England fold, for me you don't change what isn't broke.

DDG
AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Fred Mctominay
Sancho Bruno Pogba
Greenwood

Wouldn't mind Varane coming on and getting some minutes, Martial needs game time as well and possibly Cavani if he is ready

Agree with all of this.

 

[Steve 007]

You think we won't play Rafael fecking Varane because it's harsh on Lindelof?? He walks into the first 11 no doubt

I’d make you right depending on Varane’s fitness. Sancho walks in ahead of James any day of the week but was deemed not ready. I guess we’ll see.

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

Agree with all of this.

I'm desperate to see Sancho and Varane both score a hattrick and save the day but we need to be realistic. Something that I think OGS brought back that wasn't present since SAF was reward for competition, so many times we would see a player play brilliantly to only be dropped for another player, there needs to be consequences for a bad performance and rewards for a good one, it's the main principle to good motivation.

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

You think we won't play Rafael fecking Varane because it's harsh on Lindelof?? He walks into the first 11 no doubt

What does it say to the rest of the squad? What happens then when/ if Varane is injured and Lindelof has to step in, he's not going to put the same effort.

 

[Borys]

Seems like the right time to play them, I wonder if we will see a low block from Southampton? If yes, I'd avoid James-Wan Bissaka right wing so Sancho could start, but if we expect them to be more adventurous then I don't mind Dan starting.

Jadon needs a soft introduction to the team, and we look quite good recently so no need to change a lot. I expect Sancho to take over the RW position soon enough anyway.

 

[bond19821982]

Why are people so obsessed with Cavani, he's only training for a week and Greenwood is incredibly match fit and in form and in form better than Cavani after vacation 1000% Edi might get some minutes of the bench though in the dying minutes..

You didn't read my post.if Cavani is fit !

And if he is fit, he should start. Remember last season how he changed the game after coming on half time.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

I wouldn't be chucking Varane as a starter, Lindelof just had a great match and I think that's half due to competition now, doesn't say much if you lose your spot after a great performance, what is he fighting for? A bit extra time to gel with his team mates won't be a bad thing for Varane either. The RW spot is a lot less competition with James for the moment and Sancho has played with several of these players before such as Maguire, Rashford, Shaw etc from the England fold, for me you don't change what isn't broke.

DDG
AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
Fred Mctominay
Sancho Bruno Pogba
Greenwood

Wouldn't mind Varane coming on and getting some minutes, Martial needs game time as well and possibly Cavani if he is ready

What happens if Lindelof is brilliant against Southampton as well? I don’t disagree with you but surely if Varane is ready he has to play.

 

[daveoliver91]

Would go with the same team vs Leeds, although I would give Sancho a start and depending how the game goes, bring in Varane!
Hopefully we get a win, 1-3 my prediction!

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

What happens if Lindelof is brilliant against Southampton as well? I don’t disagree with you but surely if Varane is ready he has to play.

There will come a point very soon where we have a few games in succession and they can alternate, one will outperform the other and nature will take it's course.

 

[iHicksy]

You think we won't play Rafael fecking Varane because it's harsh on Lindelof?? He walks into the first 11 no doubt

Agreed. I'm pretty sure talks to get him to come here didn't start with "we're expecting you to bide your time and battle it out with Lindelöf for the other cb spot." He's been promised he's first choice to get him here and rightly so - he's one of the best CB's in world football. He walks into the team regardless of Lindelof's form. That's just the way it is.

 

[UncleBob]

You didn't read my post.if Cavani is fit !

And if he is fit, he should start. Remember last season how he changed the game after coming on half time.

If it works, don't fix it.
Greenwood had a great opening match against Leeds, the only logic conclusion is to let him keep his place and change things around if the situation requires it. If Greenwood continues performing, the least of our problems is a soon-to-be 35 year old Cavani that is likely to leave us in a year.

 

[Borys]

There will come a point very soon where we have a few games in succession and they can alternate, one will outperform the other and nature will take it's course.

And that's the way it should be done, I doubt throwing Varane against Southampton after training with the team for a few days is a good idea. Lindelof should continue until this natural succession happens.

 

[bosskeano]

Varane has to start for the simple reason that he's better overall but more importantly for this match he's stronger in the air. Southampton has always given us problems on set pieces and dealing with crosses in the box. Lindelof really struggled against them both meetings last season.

 

[largelyworried]

Good time to play them. Last season we were strong away from home of course, but there's no doubt that too many of our matches were rollercoasters that could easily have ended up going against us, and the Southampton result was a prime example. I'd love to see a much more dominant and controlled performance that shows we've matured, even if it ends up being a simple 2-0 on the day rather than some fancy scoreline.

Team wise, we're very lucky to have a strong squad and I wouldn't rush anybody in who wasn't ready. If Cavani, Sancho or Varane need a little more time, give it to them, there's much bigger games to come. But fingers crossed they'll be fully fit and ready to play. Whatever team we put out we should be expecting to win this game.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

Varane has to start for the simple reason that he's better overall but more importantly for this match he's stronger in the air. Southampton has always given us problems on set pieces and dealing with crosses in the box. Lindelof really struggled against them both meetings last season.

I think a lot of that was down to Vestergaard who has now moved on so I’d expect them to cause us less issues this time around (famous last words!)

 

[Steve 007]

The Cavani/ Greenwood is an interesting headache for Ole. Cavani took a while to warm up last season but then he showed he was a really/ really special player that can do things only a select few in the world can do, he’s 34 but he’s in great shape and when he gets a good run in the team just gets better and better.
Greenwood is a special talent, he’s in the top 5 top scoring teens in the PL ever with Anelka, Rooney, Owen and Fowler, who all had amazing careers. We know what he can do and in two years if he gets enough games he’ll be up there with the best in the world (yes I know that’s easy to say). It’s a great headache for Ole but at this point Cavani surely can’t start until he’s had some minutes as a sub. Can’t wait to see Varane though, if we do have a successful season I’m sure he’ll be that difference.

 

[izak]

De Gea
AWB--Lindelof--Maguire--Shaw
VdB--Fred
Sancho--Bruno--Pogba
Greenwood

Subs: Heaton; Dalot, Varane; Matic, Mctominay; James, Mata; Martial, Cavani

4-1 United

 

[Roosney]

Sunday kickoff

 

[littleman]

Can't wait for this game; would love to see if Pogba on the left continues to work for many games (it stopped after a couple games last season) and I would love to see Sancho play more.

Think Varane won't start just yet.

Also curious if players like Lingard will get a chance.

 

[TrustInOle]

What does it say to the rest of the squad? What happens then when/ if Varane is injured and Lindelof has to step in, he's not going to put the same effort.

This is part of the parcel of being a United player and has always been the case. Your spot in the team is never cemented as we have always signed for competition. If this was Lindelof's response it says more about him than how the squad will react to a player being displaced.

Edit. I would highly doubt this reaction from lindelof, for the record.

 

[Red_Aaron]

Think Jadon for James will be the only change

Varane may start though, Southampton away could be a relatively comfy jump off point for him and we need him and Harry to get time together ahead of the big games coming up which he will 100% play in. Harsh on Vic but we brought him to start

 

[Alemar]

There will come a point very soon where we have a few games in succession and they can alternate, one will outperform the other and nature will take it's course.

Varane is not going to alternate with anyone. He will be an indisputable starter, much in front of Maguire - on merit.

 

[Al-T]

I'd imagine it may depend on how Varane and Sancho train this week. Doubt these will be as open as Leeds.
Cavani will likely get minutes off the bench.

Really dislike Southampton so pretty please, 9-0 again would do just fine

 

[GMoore23]

Lindelof was superb at the weekend, better than Maguire. I don't think he'll be dropped for this as Ole will probably prefer to start Varane off in a home game. Expecting James to Start again but hopefully Sancho is ready to replace him.

De Gea
Bissaka - lindelof - Maguire - Shaw
Mctominay - Fred
Bruno
Sancho - Greenwood - Pogba

 

[Gerald G]

People expect Southampton to be really open but I doubt it. I think they will try to hit us on the counter.

I'd keep pretty much the same team with the exception of Sancho starting ahead of James. He would have had nearly 2 weeks training and came on the pitch for 15 mins in the prior game. I'd give him an hour in this match.

Varane on the other hand is more difficult in my opinion. I think most, if not all, would agree that he's better than Lindelof. However, he would only have had a few days training with us and hasn't played a competitive match since France were knocked out Euros.

I think Ole will reward performances, and I don't think it sends the right message that no matter how you perform, there are players that will start ahead of you. I'm not saying don't play Varane for a while, but I'd give Lindelof this game and probably start Varane vs Wolves. In saying that, if Ole thinks he's (Varane) is sharp enough then I haven't got too many problems with him starting here.

As well as they played vs Leeds, I don't think this is a game where both McTominay and Fred will excel, but let's see.
I'm also wary about starting with one too many players who are not match fit. Bearing that in mind, my team would be:

de Gea
AWB--Lindelof--Maguire--Shaw
McTominay--Fred
Sancho--Bruno--Pogba
Greenwood​

 

[GreenFieldsGoldenBarley]

Martial
Sancho Bruno Greenwood
Fred Pogba
Shaw Maguire Lindelof Wan Bissaka
De Gea​

Think we'll see this. Can see a Sancho and Martial start here for James and McTominay and just going for it. Varane I think will take a while to get into the team, with the training and all that. Probably in the CL to start with after the international break.

This is my team too. Might be a bit of a muppet lineup but feck it, Southampton are shite. Let's get 10!

Oh but Varane for Lindelof

 

[siw2007]

I’m going for:

DDG
AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
McTominay Fred
Sancho Fernandes Pogba
Greenwood​

Undecided on whether Varane will come straight into the team, their are arguments for and against it but I think Ole will stick with Lindelof for this game.

Going to be a tough game, I think for the first few games of the season there will be a huge home advantage as it’s the first game back before it settles down. Having said that we should still be looking to win the game, keep Armstrong away from penalty area, work hard and show the same quality as on Saturday.

A hard fought 2-1 win for United.

 

[Adcuth]

Why are people so obsessed with Cavani, he's only training for a week and Greenwood is incredibly match fit and in form and in form better than Cavani after vacation 1000% Edi might get some minutes of the bench though in the dying minutes..

Agreed. The only change truly needed is Sancho for James. The team was perfect for Leeds and of we get the same performance then we'll destroy Southampton. Varane maybe but it won't be necessary if Ole thinks he could use more time with the team first. Cavani as he's only just back shouldn't be rushed in and to be honest, him coming on against a tired defence would be soul destroying for them.

 

[theklr]

Sancho for James and we are good to go. Varane starting is 50/50

 

[JJ12]

Sancho start. Varane bench. Get him on 75 minutes once we are 7-0 up

 

[Desert Eagle]

 

[Banana Republic]

Vestergaard, Ings and Ryan Bertram have gone and the assortment of budget players they’ve brought in from Europe don’t look that promising.
Keep Adams and Armstrong wrapped up and watch out for the set pieces (Ward-Prouse) and Southampton shouldn’t create too much trouble.
They’re definitely in the frame for relegation this season and they’ll be very wary and apprehensive after what we did to Leeds, so we need to batter them from the kick-off and kill off any self confidence they could build up, if they manage to survive for the first 20 minutes.

 

[pratyush_utd]

Looks like only Hannibal, Garner and Amad are training with first team.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Phil Jones is back

Hopefully he starts over Maguire,Victor or Varane

 

[laughtersassassin]

Amad looking slick in one or two if those clips.

Nothing new. Man is quality.

 

[FrankWhite]

I don’t think James was ever the answer? He was a 15m transfer from the championship. There aren’t many squad players about than Dan James. Id keep him because he hands Pep his ass every time we play City, Guardiola doesn’t know how to deal with him.
Anyway, here’s a stat I read on Reddit. We are undefeated in the last 26 games that James has played for us.

I love that people are just throwing that 26 games unbeaten with DJ stat about. It came from some guy on Twitter and now I'm seeing it everywhere. Like, do people actually know what the context is?
How many of those games were relevant matches and not against cannon fodder opposition?
How many did he come on after the game had already been decided?
How many minutes did he play in them?

I want James to do well, I think he could in a lower level premier League team. Let's just not get carried away.

 

[cyberman]

I love that people are just throwing that 26 games unbeaten with DJ stat about. It came from some guy on Twitter and now I'm seeing it everywhere. Like, do people actually know what the context is?
How many of those games were relevant matches and not against cannon fodder opposition?
How many did he come on after the game had already been decided?
How many minutes did he play in them?

I want James to do well, I think he could in a lower level premier League team. Let's just not get carried away.

Well if it’s every time he played and it’s somehow not important then what harm is his role in the team?