Tough week For Man Utd to end in happier fashion at St Mary’s
Published:
It’s been a hellish week for Manchester United in which Luke Shaw suffered a horrendous double leg break on Champions League duty, but a Premier League trip to Southampton can spread some much-needed cheer through the Red Devil ranks.
One thing Louis van Gaal can take out of that miserable night in Eindhoven, was that even in defeat, his side were by far the better team and deserved at least a draw from the contest.
Although the Dutchman has been criticised in some quarters for preaching possession above the attacking principles associated with United’s rich history, a tally of 17 shots to go with 67 per cent of the ball, showed his side can produce plenty in the final third.
This attacking menace will only be strengthened by the return to LVG’s squad of skipper Wayne Rooney for the Sunday afternoon outing at St.Mary’s – a ground where United have traditionally prospered.
The 13-time Premier League champions are unbeaten in seven trips in all competitions, with last season’s 2-1 victory, the sixth in that hot streak.
Meanwhile, with Ronald Koeman yet to rediscover his winning formula early in 2015/16 – Saints have won just once in seven all-competition games – his side look vulnerable to defeat.
Everton have already raided the south-coast club as 3-0 winners this season, so 6/4 on the visitors looks the pick of the match odds.
However, with Ladbrokes boosting the price on the United win with both teams scoring, from 4/1 out to 5/1 at 8.00 am on the day of kick-off, this has to be the best way to go on the contest.
Having seen five goals shipped in their last three outings and with in-form Shaw’s injury forcing a reshuffle at the back, Saints will at least fancy scoring against United as they did in both league meetings last season.
Just remember as a televised Premier League fixture this game is eligible for Ladbrokes Sharp Shooter offer.*
The man to ignite the blue touch paper at St Mary’s could well be Memphis Depay for the visitors.
The Dutch import bagged his third strike in European competition already this season to break the deadlock against his former employers in midweek, so this could well be the match he opens his Premier League account.
Depay is a 6/1 chance to open the scoring, just behind Rooney at 5/1.
*Double your odds if your 1st Goalscorer bet scores in the opening 25 minutes in selected live TV games.
Click here for T’s & C’s.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
