Man Utd predicted lineup vs Southampton - Premier League | OneFootball

Manchester United have benefitted from a spaced-out schedule over the past couple of weeks, but they're still hunting a first Premier League win since 15 December.

A golden opportunity arrives on Thursday night off the back of two morale-boosting results which eased fears that Ruben Amorim would never be able to get a tune out of this group of underperforming United stars.

2-2 at Anfield and a penalty shootout win at Arsenal points towards a team moving in the right direction, but much of their success under Amorim so far has arrived against superior opposition. Southampton, the worst team the Premier League has to offer, thus offer an alternate challenge.

These are the games United have come unstuck in for years under multiple managers.

There's bound to be some rotation given the slog United went through at the weekend, and here's the team Amorim could pick on Thursday night.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Southampton (3-4-2-1)

Man Utd ground out a victory at Arsenal on Sunday / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

GK: Andre Onana - Altay Bayindir was the man of the hour at the Emirates, but Onana will assume number one duties again in midweek. Bayindir's performance would've put the Cameroonian on notice, though.

CB: Leny Yoro - Matthijs de Ligt defended with throwback vigour on Sunday and he could perhaps do with a breather. Yoro is an excellent alternative, and his work with the ball will be needed against a deep-lying Southampton defence.

CB: Harry Maguire - Don't fear, Harry, the video assistant referee will be on hand to assess any grievances on Thursday. Maguire has shone on the big occasion under Amorim, but his work in transition will be put to the test here.

CB: Lisandro Martinez - Martinez was struggling late on in extra time, but he still stepped up to beat David Raya from 12 yards in the shootout. There's been no suggestion that the Argentine will miss out through injury.

RWB: Noussair Mazraoui - The Morocco international has been a mainstay this season and has quickly become a favourite for the new manager. With United currently bereft of wing-back alternatives unless Amorim fancies dropping Amad Diallo into the role again, Mazraoui should get the nod.

CM: Manuel Ugarte - Ugarte's a proper pest, with any limitations masked by industry and cunning. The Man Utd fans have quickly warmed to him, and he's going to be a key figure for the remainder of the season.

CM: Bruno Fernandes - United are going to require passers and runners here, so Amorim could opt for an aggressive lineup and drop the in-form Fernandes into the midfield pivot.

LWB: Tyrell Malacia - Diogo Dalot's suspension and Luke Shaw's absence means Malacia could make a rare appearance and an even rarer start on Thursday. We haven't seen the Dutchman in the Premier League since United were thumped 3-0 by Bournemouth three days before Christmas.

AM: Amad Diallo - Amad was carrying a knock heading into Sunday's game, but was fit enough for a lengthy cameo off the bench. Assuming he's 100%, the Ivorian will be back in the team against Southampton.

AM: Alejandro Garnacho - After teeing up Fernandes' opener on Sunday, Amorim will likely stick with the exuberant Argentine who supplies the requisite runs in behind against a deep-lying defence.

ST: Joshua Zirkzee - Zirkzee must be brimming with confidence after a tidy display on Sunday was capped off by a cool winning penalty. With runners on either side and Bruno supplying from deeper areas, the conditions are there for the Dutchman to thrive.