If you’re a Manchester United fan, don’t make any plans for Friday night! The game against Southampton will provide us with Jose Mourinho’s competitive home debut, Paul Pogba’s second debut with the club – and hopefully plenty of goals, with high-scoring games fairly common when the two sides meet.
To get some more insight into Friday night’s opponents, we talked to Luke Osman of ReadSouthampton.com…
1) How does Claude Puel’s Southampton differ to the side we saw under Ronald Koeman? Are you happy with the new boss?
Luke Osman: Most notably, it’s been the change in formation. Under Mauricio Pochettino, we occupied a 4-2-3-1. Under Koeman, it was exactly the same. We’ve gone from the same system for four seasons into a totally different approach with a 4-1-2-1-2 narrow midfield diamond. A key change in style is that we’re more patient in the build-up to attack, whereas under Koeman, it was very route one – we don’t use a target man anymore. I’m happy with Puel because he seems to have what the club strives for. His managerial style is development orientated, he likes to use the youth system, he’s a positive guy and I think that the board have made a shrewd appointment.
2) Having lost so many good players in the last few years, how do Southampton maintain their quality season on season?
LO: It’s going to be tough. Of course, we’ve lost a lot of talent but we have replaced well and we’ve kept the core of the team very well by tying down plenty of first-team players to long-term deals – this is key. I doubt we’ll do as well as we have done in recent seasons, with the Europa League involvement considered also, but I think top half will be the aim for us and maybe a cup run.
3) Jose Fonte is said to be a target for United – do you think he’d fit in at Old Trafford?
LO: Fonte is, quite simply, a Southampton legend. He’s been with us since League One and he’s just grown and grown through the years. I think he, obviously, would only be a backup to you guys but he is Mr Reliable and you know that he’ll leave everything out there on the pitch. He’s an experienced head with leadership skills and I think that he’d be a fine addition to any team in the league.
4) Ryan Bertrand is out of Friday’s game – are you worried about that side of the defence, with Mata in good form and Mkhitaryan also a huge threat?
LO: Slightly, yes. This is no detriment to young Matt Targett as he’s come on leaps and bounds since his introduction to the first-team, but to have a weakened option on that flank is a concern. Through no fault of his own, I can see Targett struggling.
5) How will the Saints look to deal with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
LO: Honestly? I’ve got no idea. It’ll be tough. I’d assume that Virgil van Dijk will take Zlatan and I’m really looking forward to that one; it’ll be a really exciting battle. As for Pogba, I suppose you’d have to match him against Oriol Romeu – who, despite being a very good player, will struggle against such an enigmatic opposition.
6) How would you rate Southampton’s transfer business this summer, in terms of incomings?
LO: I’d say we’ve done pretty well. The players that have left this summer were expected to depart anyways, so I’ve not really had concerns about that. Nathan Redmond and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have been superb additions for good prices and the additions of Jeremy Pied and Alex McCarthy at cheap prices to bolster the squad have been clever. I’d say that if we can bring in one more creative, attacking player, we’ll be in for another good season.
7) Who will be the biggest threat to United?
LO: It’s tricky really, to say. Puel is still finding his strongest line-up and it’s going to be tough to call who will start but I’m going to go with Redmond. His pace, trickery and direct attacking style could prove to be a good test for the United defence and I can see him being in the thick of the action.
8) There have been a number of high-scoring games between United and Southampton in the last 5 years or so – can you see another one coming on Friday?
LO: Yes, I can see plenty of goals. The only trouble is, you’ll be scoring most of them! I don’t think we’re in bad shape, I just think you’re in a significantly better state and have so many game-changers at your disposal. 3-0 United, sadly.
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Is Luke right? Will United come away 3-0 victors on Friday night? Or will Claude Puel spoil Jose’s party as he bids to keep his side at the top of the Premier League?
Be sure to check back here at readmanutd.com for post-match content following the game!
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