‘Exactly where they’ve been struggling’: Sutton can’t see ‘routine’ Utd win against rock-bottom So’ton

Stretty News

·15 gennaio 2025

‘Exactly where they’ve been struggling’: Sutton can’t see ‘routine’ Utd win against rock-bottom So’ton

Chris Sutton has shared his prediction for Manchester United’s clash with Southampton this Thursday evening.

It’s a return to Premier League action and a return to Old Trafford for the Red Devils after two consecutive away trips to Anfield and the Emirates. Heading into the fixtures, not many would’ve expected that they’d claim a draw and a win at the two unnerving grounds, yet back-to-back spirited showings have seen United go toe-to-toe with league leaders Liverpool before knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup.

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Add the fact that Ruben Amorim also reigned victorious in his first taste of the Manchester derby at the Etihad last month, and fans are feeling increasingly optimistic that United are on the up.

A consistent run of form is now imperative for the Reds to work their way out of the bottom half of the table and get as near to the European places as possible, however difficult that may prove to be.

On paper, they couldn’t have a better fixture to try and claim a statement win than against rock-bottom Southampton tomorrow night.

Sutton previews United vs Southampton

Amorim’s players have done him proud with their outstanding work ethic in the last two matches. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Having his say on the contest in his BBC Sport column, Sutton wrote: “I have a lot of admiration for Manchester United’s performance in their FA Cup win against Arsenal, especially to grind it out with 10 men for an hour after Diogo Dalot was sent off.

“But these next three games, at home against Southampton, Brighton and then Rangers, are a very different test for them compared to their trips to the Emirates Stadium and Anfield in the past week.

“I don’t want to devalue what United did against Arsenal or Liverpool, but they were games where the expectation was not on them to get results. We know United are good on the counter-attack away from home, but against Saints at Old Trafford, the onus is on them to take the game to the opposition.

“That is exactly where they have been struggling recently, and, as I said on 606 on Sunday night, it would be just like Manchester United to be flat, find things difficult, and drop more points.”

“Southampton under Ivan Jurica are very different to the way they played under previous boss Russell Martin because most of the time they just lump it forward now, and they are far more direct,” Sutton continued.

“Saints may come into this game with a bit of confidence after beating Championship side Swansea in the FA Cup – ending a run of 12 games without a victory that went back to the start of November.

“I still think United will find a way to win, but I am not so sure it will be a completely routine one.

I loved the way they defended against Arsenal, and I thought it was quite pointed from Ruben Amorim when he came out afterwards and talked about that desire aspect.

“He was speaking about traits which you would hope were pretty basic traits for any team to have – that ability to fight and scrap for a result.

“United have shown they can do that part – now they have to show their quality too.”