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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has several major decisions to make as his team prepares for a crucial Premier League clash against Southampton this weekend.
The Red Devils are under mounting pressure to turn things around after a rocky start to the season. Their last outing—a humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool—left fans frustrated and booing the team off the pitch at Old Trafford before the international break.
United kicked off the campaign with a win over Fulham, but back-to-back defeats have pushed them down to 14th place in the standings. As they travel to face Southampton, who have yet to earn a single point since being promoted, Ten Hag knows that another misstep could deepen the crisis.
But with injuries, fatigue, and new arrivals disrupting the squad, the Dutch manager’s task is far from simple.
Casemiro Keeps His Place Amid Ugarte Arrival
Despite being subbed off at halftime against Liverpool after committing two costly errors, Casemiro is expected to retain his starting role. The Brazilian midfielder has stayed behind at Carrington after being left out of the national team’s recent squad, giving him time to train. However, with the arrival of £50 million signing Manuel Ugarte, his long-term role may come under threat.
Ugarte wasn’t available for the Liverpool match due to his late registration and missed preseason action after his move from Paris Saint-Germain and participation in Copa America. The Uruguayan took a step forward in regaining fitness by logging 79 minutes in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay over the weekend. Whether he’s ready to make his United debut remains to be seen.
De Ligt Under Scrutiny, Martinez May Be Rested
Matthijs de Ligt is another player under the spotlight. The defender received heavy criticism for his performances with the Dutch national team during the break. He was subbed off at halftime during the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Germany following another error that led to a goal. Nonetheless, Ten Hag may choose to stick with him, especially if he is forced to reshuffle the defense.
Lisandro Martinez, normally the first name on the team sheet at center-back, could be rested due to his heavy international schedule. The Argentine featured in both of his national team’s matches—against Chile in Buenos Aires and Colombia in Barranquilla. The tight travel schedule and quick turnaround before the early Saturday kickoff mean he’ll have limited training time before the Southampton match.
History offers a warning here. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister struggled in a similar early kickoff after returning from international duty last year and was taken off at halftime. Given Martinez’s past muscle injuries, Ten Hag may opt to keep him on the bench as a precaution.
Surprise Inclusion Possible at the Back
If Martinez is unavailable and with Leny Yoro also out, Ten Hag could be forced to reshuffle his backline. While the manager has previously stated his preference for Harry Maguire on the right side of central defense, a left-sided void could lead to a surprise start for veteran Jonny Evans.
The 36-year-old, now retired from international football with Northern Ireland, proved his fitness by playing the full 90 minutes on the left side of defense against Manchester City in the Community Shield. His experience and availability could make him a dependable short-term option in a tricky fixture.
Big Game, Big Decisions
As Manchester United prepare to face a struggling but hungry Southampton side, Ten Hag must find the right balance of form, fitness, and rotation. With the team desperate for a reset after a poor run of form, every lineup choice could have a big impact on whether United can regain momentum—or fall deeper into trouble.
