How Manchester United could line up against Southampton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag must assess the fitness of two players ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit of Southampton to Old Trafford.

Neither Donny van de Beek nor Christian Eriksen will be making their comebacks anytime soon, but Anthony Martial is back in full training following a hip issue and could potentially earn a few minutes here.

Marcel Sabitzer will also need a once over after a knock kept him out of Thursday's Europa League clash with Real Betis, where Ten Hag made the bold decision to stick with the same starting XI that were demolished by Liverpool at Anfield.

Such a decision was vindicated in a 4-1 win, and Ten Hag may therefore save the bulk of his rotations for next week's second leg given their comfortable three-goal cushion in the last-16 tie.

The hosting manager could consider alterations in the full-back areas, though, with Diogo Dalot coming off at half time against Betis and now at risk of losing his spot to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

A well-earned rest could also come the way of Luke Shaw, allowing Tyrell Malacia to join Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and David de Gea in the rearguard.

Casemiro and Fred should hold their spots before potentially being named on the bench at Betis, while Bruno Fernandes retains the captain's armband in the number 10 role after redeeming himself in midweek.

Fernandes struck alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony and Wout Weghorst against Betis, and Ten Hag should see no reason to alter his attacking quartet unless jellied legs come into play.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst