Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho sprung a surprise with his starting XI for Saturday’s late kick-off against Southampton, with his selection sure to raise eyebrows again.
Mourinho made six changes to the side that stumbled to a 0-0 draw at home against Crystal Palace last week. Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, Nemanja Matic, and David de Gea – whose contract was extended by a year on Thursday – were the ones to retain their places.
Pogba and Lukaku were dropped for United’s midweek Champions League win over Young Boys, but have been recalled.
Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones started in the midweek fixture, as did Luke Shaw, who was suspended against Palace, and Marouane Fellaini, who scored the winner, with all four in the XI on Saturday.
In-form Anthony Martial drops to the bench, as does Chris Smalling, with Scott McTominay set to partner Jones in defence, while there was also a recall for Ander Herrera. McTominay last played in United’s disastrous 3-1 loss to West Ham in October.
Starting XI (4-1-2-1-2)
De Gea; Young, McTominay, Jones, Shaw; Matic, Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba; Lukaku, Rashford
