Former Chelsea player Chris Sutton has predicted that Manchester United will secure a much-needed victory over struggling Southampton in the Premier League this weekend. A win against Southampton would provide relief to Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag, who has faced intense scrutiny since last season.
Manchester United Could Sack Erik ten Hag This Weekend, Suggests Louis Saha
Under Ten Hag, Manchester United finished in eighth place in the Premier League last season. Despite this, the Red Devils managed to win the FA Cup, avoiding a trophyless campaign by defeating Manchester City on the final day of the English soccer calendar. INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversee soccer operations at United, decided to give Ten Hag another chance for the 2024-25 season.
Manchester United made significant investments in the summer transfer window but has yet to see positive results. The team lost the FA Community Shield to Manchester City at the beginning of the season and suffered two defeats in three Premier League matches.
In a recent interview with BetFred, former Manchester United player Louis Saha suggested that Ten Hag’s position was precarious. He indicated that the Dutchman could face an “untenable” situation and potentially lose his job if United were to lose to Southampton on Saturday, September 14. (source)
Chris Sutton Does Not Think Man Utd Will Drop Points Against Saints
However, Sutton believes that there is hope for Ten Hag and United, especially considering Southampton’s current poor form (3 losses). In his column for the BBC, Sutton wrote:
“With three defeats out of three, Southampton have obviously not made a great start in terms of results. There has been a lot of scrutiny of the way they play too, and of Saints boss Russell Martin’s principles in playing out from the back, with people comparing them to what Burnley were like last season.
“Martin has to have a philosophy of how he wants his team to play, though, so I do have sympathy for him. I don’t believe there is a narrative against him either – it is just that, in their last game, Brentford pressed them high and they made mistakes and conceded some poor goals.”
He continued:
“It is going to be difficult for them against Manchester United too. Erik ten Hag’s side have their own issues, which means people don’t predict United’s results, they guess them… but they should – should – have too much quality for Saints.
“Southampton will try to be bold but that probably means they will give up chances and, because I’ve seen Marcus Rashford has been having extra training sessions, I am going to back him and United to take them.”
Sutton’s prediction: Southampton 0-2 Man Utd
With 20 English championship titles, Manchester United holds a superior head-to-head record against Southampton. According to Sportsmole, the two teams have faced each other 133 times, with United winning 68 matches, Southampton winning 28 matches, and 37 matches ending in a draw.
