Only five places separate Manchester United and Southampton ahead of this evening’s encounter as Ruben Amorim aims to build upon the feel-good factor of recent weeks.
United were exceptionally good at Anfield and supported that performance with a memorable showing against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
However, the Premier League has been a troublesome battleground of late, with a solitary point from a possible 12 wounding Red hopes of European qualification.
But, as we regularly discuss across podcasts and social media, the smallest of sparks can ignite any squad, and this Manchester United side has the potential to put a commanding run together.
A victory this evening would propel Amorim’s men to twelfth and within nine points of Manchester City ahead of ties with Brighton, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Optimism is gaining some traction in the North West, but that will count for nothing if old habits surface against a struggling Southampton outfit.
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The 20-time English champions will be without Diogo Dalot, with the full-back to serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the FA Cup.
His replacement is unknown, as Tyrell Malacia presents a viable option alongside Noussair Mazraoui and even Toby Collyer.
“That is really important, to have these opportunities to see other players, to change the team sometimes to have fresh legs, fresh minds. So it’s an opportunity for another player,” Amorim told MUTV.
“We just have some doubts on players who were really tired in the last game.
“We cannot afford to lose players for many games, and our players are ready to cope with the demands of the game. There are no changes in the players available.”
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans remain unavailable through injury. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are also out but have stepped up rehabilitation towards a welcome first-team return.
An interesting selection will be who starts between the sticks. Amorim has a dilemma following a player-of-the-match performance from Altay Bayindir at the Emirates.
But Andre Onana is expected to return to the starting XI, having played all 58 Premier League fixtures since arriving at the club.
Although history will not dictate the result of any outcome, United are unbeaten in their last 15 league outings against Southampton (W7 D8).
Furthermore, the Saints are winless in their previous 17 Premier League away fixtures and are approaching their worst-ever run between March 1985 and February 1986 (19).
But Onana and Co have endured three consecutive Old Trafford league defeats and shipped eight goals.
As archives will remind every football supporter, nothing is a guarantee at the top level of the English game.
How do you see this playing out?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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