Pundit backs struggling United star to shine against Southampton

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has admitted that he is ‘backing’ one player to shine when Manchester United travel to face Southampton in the early kick-off on Saturday.

The Reds are looking to get back to winning ways at St. Mary’s Stadium against a side who have yet to pick up a single point, after three matches in the Premier League.

Former Southampton forward Theo Walcott has already stated that he fears Southampton are making the same mistakes as when he played a part in their relegation to the Championship two years ago.

After a sluggish start to the season, United are 14th in the Premier League table and need to pick up three points on the road this weekend.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton gave his verdict on Southampton’s struggles under Russell Martin ahead of United’s trip.

“With three defeats out of three, Southampton have obviously not made a great start in terms of results,” Sutton told BBC Sport.

“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.”

Sutton also singled out Marcus Rashford by backing the forward to male his mark against the Saints. He also believes United will win the match 2-0.

“It is going to be difficult for them against Manchester United too,” he added.

“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.”

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