Fernandes will be expected to lead Man United by example. — Reuters
MANCHESTER United resume their Premier League title bid with a trip to Southampton today, a fixture that could well add to the wretched start they made to this season.
The Red Devils won their opening match and then lost the next two, including the hammering they endured in their last outing at the hands of their old enemy, Liverpool.
Against Russell Martin’s Southampton, one would expect Erik ten Hag’s expensively assembled Man United squad to come through unscathed, despite them being horribly exposed as an underperforming and super-overrated side against Brighton and Hove Albion, and the Reds of Anfield.
Southampton are stuck in second-from-bottom on the log, having lost all three of their matches since their promotion.
It goes without saying that Martin will be looking for a reaction from his players, and he might well get one.
He will know that ten Hag’s multibillion-dollar side is one that crumbles quickly in the face of adversity. And an early goal at St Mary’s in the early kick-off today could prove the recipe for an unlikely result.
Martin will surely put his faith again in Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, hoping for the duo to stifle Man United’s attack.
Polish centre-back Bednarek has been sturdy in defence, providing good stability and firm leadership, despite the results going against them thus far.
Harwood-Bellis, too, after making his loan from Manchester City permanent, has been solid at the back.
Upfront, Adam Armstrong, with more than adequate goal-scoring talent, should lead Southampton’s attack and serve as a decent test for Man United.
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes continues to be Man United’s inspirational player.
When he weighs in with a telling performance, the Red Devils similarly play well.
He has been crucial when chipping in with assists and goals, and one feels that if he gets either or both today, then Man United should be on their way to the three points.
Indeed, a three-goal winning margin would not be entirely out of order, although it might sound so, even with this giant club’s poor start to the season.
