Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of today's mouth-watering Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford. United currently occupy third position in the table, while the Saints sit just one point behind in fourth. Team news will be with you shortly.

MAN UTD: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw; Blind, Carrick; Rooney, Mata, Di Maria; Van Persie

MAN UTD: Valdes, Evans, McNair, Blackett, Fellaini, Herrera, Wilson

After seeing his side overcome Yeovil Town in the FA Cup last weekend, Man Utd manager Louis van Gaal has made seven changes for this afternoon's match. Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind both return for the hosts, while Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie are all recalled. Meanwhile, recent signing Victor Valdes is on the bench.

SOUTHAMPTON: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Ward-Prowse, Elia; Pelle

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: K Davis, Gardos, Long, Tadic, Isgrove, Reed, Targett

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has gone for three changes following his team's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the FA Cup last weekend. Nathaniel Clyne and Toby Alderweireld both return in defence, while loan signing Eljero Elia makes his debut for the Saints. The 27-year-old recently arrived at the club on a temporary deal from German outfit Werder Bremen.

It's @BlindDaley's first outing since November and @1VictorValdes (pictured here arriving) is on the bench. #mufclive pic.twitter.com/xm4lONHtpr — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 11, 2015

Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal: "I want more as a manager. I want the perfect game and we have never played the perfect game. I expect more attacking quality. If not this year then it is next season or the season after that. But I shall improve and you shall see.

"I think [Southampton] will give us problems again because they have a very good team. I like the way they play. It was very difficult for us to beat them [last month] but now we are a month further on and maybe we have improved."

United are currently on an impressive unbeaten run of 11 matches in all competitions, but a few draws dotted among those results have seen them fall 12 points behind leaders Chelsea. Had they beaten the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Burnley then the Red Devils would be right up there near the top of the table. However, a win today would put them nine points behind the favourites.

Southampton head to Old Trafford having avoided defeat in their last five games. The Saints are just one point behind United at the moment, and a victory this afternoon would see them leapfrog their opponents into third place. Not bad for a team that suffered four consecutive defeats in the Premier League just a month or so ago.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "[Man Utd] have more confidence now and players back from injury. It will be difficult. We must believe in our qualities and show that. Then we can make it difficult for them."

© Getty Images

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League has finished at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal have beaten Stoke City 3-0 in routine fashion. Laurent Koscielny opened the scoring early on before two goals from Alexis Sanchez sealed the points for the Gunners. You can read our match report here.

Back to this match, and it was Man Utd who earned the victory when these sides met at St Mary's Stadium back in September. Louis van Gaal admitted after the game that his team did not play particularly well, yet it was two goals from Robin van Persie that helped the Red Devils come away from the South Coast with the three points. Van Gaal will be looking for a similar outcome courtesy of a much better performance this afternoon.

If you are wondering why Radamel Falcao isn't in the Man Utd squad today, Louis van Gaal has explained that there was not enough room in the squad for the Colombian. It was suggested that the striker was missing because of an injury, but it seems as if he is being rested for the visit of the Saints.

HEAD TO HEAD: As you might expect, Man Utd have the superior record when it comes to past matches against Southampton. United have won 54 matches compared to 24 for the Saints, while there have also been 27 draws.

United have been particularly dominant in this fixture in recent years, putting together an 11-match unbeaten run versus Southampton. The former champions have won nine of those games, though they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last season as Adam Lallana's late goal earned the visitors a point.

Got a spare couple of minutes before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview of today's game:

What many will be expecting this afternoon is an open, attacking game of football. Man Utd are always likely to go on the offensive when playing in front of their own fans, but the Saints have also shown that they are capable of going toe to toe with the big boys so far this season. Their last two matches in the Premier League have seen them draw 1-1 with Chelsea and beat Arsenal 2-0. Make no mistake, they are more than capable of coming away from Old Trafford with something today.

19 - Southampton have lost 16 and drawn three of their last 19 away league games at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Bedeviled. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2015

Not long to go until kickoff now and the players are starting to emerge in the tunnel. Wayne Rooney stands at the front of the Man Utd line, while Jose Fonte will lead the Saints out. The Theatre of Dreams has filled up nicely within the last hour or so.

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be Southampton to get us underway at Old Trafford. Let's hope that this one lives up to the billing. Here we go!

CHANCE! Southampton have come flying out of the traps and they almost take the lead through Clyne. The full-back exchanges passes on the edge of the box before hitting a shot across goal, but his effort goes narrowly wide of the post.

The Saints continue to do all of the pressing, while Man Utd are looking sluggish. The hosts are struggling to string the passes together at the moment. In contrast, the visitors are playing with plenty of confidence as they knock the ball around with authority.

This is better from Man Utd. Louis van Gaal's side are seeing a lot more of the ball now, attacking Southampton with a bit more vigour. They win a corner out on the right that Di Maria whips in with menace, but the away side manage to clear the danger.

The home side are taking a patient approach at the moment as they pass the ball about with little in the way of urgency. Blind, Mata and Carrick are all enjoying time on the ball in central positions, while Rooney is also getting involved in deeper areas. However, United are yet to really test Forster in the Southampton goal.

Ward-Prowse shows just how valuable his deliveries from set pieces are with a couple of good crosses into the Man Utd box. The first forces the home side to concede a corner, while the second from the resulting corner is eventually headed away.

It would be fair to say that this game hasn't really come to life yet, despite Southampton's flying start. Man Utd are controlling the majority of possession now, though they are still struggling to get in behind their opponents. The hosts create a half-chance as Rooney scoops the ball into Mata, but the Spaniard loses control.

One thing is for certain: Southampton certainly aren't daunted by facing Man Utd at Old Trafford this afternoon. Ronald Koeman's side have looked organised and disciplined so far, making life difficult for the Red Devils. They're also still posing a bit of a threat in more advanced areas, with the likes of Bertrand and Clyne pushing forward when they can.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: Bad news for the visitors here as Toby Alderweireld is forced off with what looks like either a knee or a thigh problem. The Belgian international seemed to pull a muscle when he was clearing the ball. Florin Gardos is on his place.

Things are starting to get a bit tasty out there now. Van Persie gets a bit of grief from a couple of Southampton players during a minor scuffle before Smalling chops down Elia with a hefty tackle that goes unnoticed by referee Phil Dowd.

It's just not clicking for Man Utd in the final third at the moment. The likes of Di Maria, Rooney and Van Persie aren't seeing a great deal of the ball. Meanwhile, Southampton continue to look solid in midfield and defence. As for the Saints' new loan signing Elia, he's not exactly lit this game up so far.

Something of a half-chance for the visitors as Davis's cross from the right is met by the head of Fonte, only for the defender to glance his effort wide of the post. The captain was given too much freedom to go and attack that one.

Louis van Gaal will not be pleased with how his team is losing possession so easily right now. The hosts are gifting the ball back to Southampton far too frequently for their liking, giving the visitors a decent footing in this match. United's struggles are reflected in the crowd, who are getting a bit agitated.

Some confusion in the Southampton box as Clyne misjudged the flight of Valencia's cross, allowing Van Persie to get an opening. However, the Dutchman fails to control the ball and the visitors clear the danger. It seemed as if Van Persie didn't think that the ball would be coming towards him there.

BOOKING! The first yellow card of the afternoon goes to Southampton full-back Bertrand following a foul on Valencia.

CHANCE! A good opening for Man Utd sees Van Persie win possession before floating a ball over the top for Di Maria. The winger is forced wide because of the weight of the pass and his cross is gathered by Forster.

CHANCE! The hosts threaten again as Van Persie's ferocious drive cannons off Gardos before being collected by Forster with Mata in attendance. Man Utd are beginning to look a bit more dangerous as we head into the final five minutes of the half.

Southampton are starting to enjoy a bit more of the ball now. They're not necessarily doing a lot with it, but it's enabling them to keep Man Utd at arm's length. They will probably be wanting the half-time whistle to blow as soon as possible because their opponents are building a bit of momentum.

The fourth official indicates that there will be one minute of added time as Di Maria drags his shot wide from 20 yards.

Phil Dowd blows the half-time whistle, bringing an end to a rather subdued opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford. Chances have been few and far between so far and the scoreline reflects that.

Two key points stand out from that first half. The first is that Man Utd have been poor in the final third. Rooney, Mata, Di Maria and Van Persie have all struggled to make an impact. The second is that the hosts have been nullified to an extent by Southampton's organisation and discipline. The visitors have looked focused and difficult to break down.

0 - Neither Manchester United or Southampton managed a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Patient.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2015

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League ended 3-0 to Arsenal against Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium. That result has moved the Gunners level on points with Southampton and just one point behind Man Utd.

You would imagine that we'll see a bit more adventure from Man Utd in the second half. The hosts have shown some attacking intent so far, but they will need to be a lot better if they want to breach this Southampton defence.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The players are out for the second half and it will be Man Utd who kick us off. No changes from either manager at the break.

Southampton are already giving Man Utd a couple of problems as Ward-Prowse has his shot deflected wide before the resulting corner sees Fonte almost get his head to the ball. Shaw then thwarts Pelle, who was lining up a volley. Much like the first half, the Saints are looking full of confidence.

The visitors are really taking the game to Man Utd. Smalling has to be alert as he heads away Elia's dangerous cross, with Pelle nodding wide from the corner moments later. The home side haven't got going, that's for sure.

Man Utd create their first proper opening of the second period as Rooney's free kick is headed towards goal by Jones, but the defender's attempt goes well over the crossbar. Not the easiest of chances for the England international, that.

This has been an excellent defensive display from Southampton so far. The Saints are closing down their opponents really quickly, giving the likes of Shaw and Valencia very little time out wide. Man Utd are looking too frustrated as of yet, but they know that it will probably take something special, or an individual error, to find the net.

PHOTO: @GPelle19 tries to get the better of #MUFC defender Chris Smalling. #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/wZYQTcQkSc

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 11, 2015

YELLOW CARD! Van Persie goes into the book now for a clumsy challenge on Fonte.

MAN UTD SUB: The hosts make their first change of the afternoon as Van Persie, who looks to be limping, is replaced by Ander Herrera.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: Now it's the visitors who shake things up, with Dusan Tadic replacing debutant Elia.

MAN UTD SUB: The changes continue now as former Southampton defender Shaw is brought off for Tyler Blackett. Man Utd are showing a bit more urgency going forward at the moment, though they're still struggling to get through that sturdy Southampton defence.

Man Utd's campaign has been dogged by draws so far this season and it would be seen as a setback if they fail to claim the points this afternoon. You would expect them to dominate more and more as this game goes on as the Saints fall further and further back. That said, it's still hard to see where that spark, that moment of magic is going to come from.

Incredible scenes at Old Trafford as Southampton take the lead through substitute Dusan Tadic! A neat passing move on the edge of the box saw Pelle hit the post with a low strike, but Tadic was there to roll in the rebound with a tidy finish. The midfielder is then booked for celebrating by taking his shirt off.

MAN UTD SUB: United make another change now as Marouane Fellaini replaces Di Maria, who has struggled today. If it wasn't already a tough task for Man Utd, it certainly is now. The hosts are in desperate need of some inspiration from somewhere, but it's hard to see where it's going to come from.

It's pretty much all Man Utd right now as they go in search of an equaliser. Southampton are being limited to the occasional counter-attack, but they seem fairly content to sit back and soak up any pressure that comes their way. They have been brilliantly organised this afternoon.

YELLOW CARD! Carrick goes into the book now after dragging Tadic to the ground with Southampton looking to break upfield.

CHANCE! So close to an equaliser for Man Utd! Blind's cross from the left almost catches Forster out, but the goalkeeper just about gets a touch on it. The ball falls to Mata, who shoots narrowly wide on his weaker right foot.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: A final swap for the visitors sees Steven Davis replaced by youngster Harrison Reid.

2 - Southampton have dropped fewer points than any other team from winning positions in the Premier League (2) this season. Unmoved.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2015

Time is running out for Man Utd as they push desperately for an equalising goal. They're throwing everything at Southampton, but the visitors remain firm. Valencia's cross from the right is met by the boot of Mata, who is about 20 yards out. The Spaniard hits the ball into the ground before seeing it go the wrong side of the post.

The Saints are just three minutes plus stoppage time away from their first victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League era. While it's difficult to say that it's fully deserved, Ronald Koeman's side have been excellent today. Man Utd are still piling the pressure onto their opponents, though you get the feeling that it's just not going to be their day.

A decent opening for the Saints as Tadic's angled pass is met by Pelle. The striker takes his shot at a difficult angle and plants the ball well off target.

There will be FIVE MINUTES of added time at the end of this game. Will that be enough for Man Utd to snatch an equaliser, or will Southampton hold on for a famous victory?

The home side are camped out inside Southampton's half as we head into the final three minutes of stoppage time. Blind lumps a cross into the opposition penalty area from the left, but Forster gather the ball easily.

There it is! Southampton win at Old Trafford for the first time in the Premier League era thanks to that second-half goal from Dusan Tadic! The Saints were superb this afternoon, while United struggled for long periods during a sloppy 90 minutes.

That's all from our live text coverage of today's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!