Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Manchester United have been hit by the news that Ashley Young faces surgery and a lengthy absence with a groin injury.
Bastian Schweinsteiger will again be missing along with Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
Southampton’s new signing Charlie Austin could make his debut, especially as fellow striker Graziano Pelle is doubtful with a knee injury.
Jay Rodriguez and Florian Gardos remain on the sidelines.
Editor’s Note: Manchester United seem to have awoken from their December slump and are now unbeaten in 4 league matches with last Sunday being a perfect smash and grab away at Anfield thanks to Wayne Rooney’s late Strike.
That goal and subsequent win keeps the pressure on Tottenham in the race for the final Champions League place and also lessens the pressure on Manager Louis Van Gaal. It may not have been the prettiest of wins on Sunday but it was a game that United and Van Gaal could not lose win and the Dutchman will be glad his players delivered when it mattered.
It was a game where Liverpool didn’t take their chances and United took theirs, with Rooney’s effort being the only real United chance of not. But Van Gaal seems to have the measure of Liverpool since taking charge of United and he masterminded another all important win on Sunday
He’ll be hoping for more of the same this Afternoon as they play host to another Dutchman Ronald Koeman and his Southampton side. They have also seemingly awoken from a slumber and have won their last 2 matches, a tactical change to 3-5-2 with Betrand and Targett as Wing Backs looks like it has changed the fortunes on the pitch around as of late and Koeman will also be able to count on new £4m signing Charlie Austin.
He was signed from QPR last weekend but it was too late for him to be involved in the win over West Brom last weekend. He’ll provide competition for Graziano Pelle and Shane Long with Long expected to make way for Austin Today.
Also what with Shane Long being linked with a move to Liverpool or Spurs it could be a case of one in and one out on the South Coast. As for United it doesn’t seem as they’ll be bringing anyone this transfer window and the focus will be more on making sure Real Madrid don’t try and come in for David De Gea before their transfer ban kicks in.
Southampton are up to the relative comfort of 10th at present and their season looks like it’s going to be one of just a mid table finish, not good enough to challenge for Europe but too good to go down. As for today I think United will continue their unbeaten with a routine win over Southampton. A home win for me.
