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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Southampton boss makes Manchester United team prediction as potential injury blow revealed

Southampton manager Ruben Selles expects to see "some rotation" in the Manchester United line-up this weekend with such a short turnaround from Thursday's Europa League game.

United cruised to a 4-1 win over Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring inside six minutes before second-half goals from Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst handed the Reds a huge advantage going into next week's second leg.

Erik ten Hag went with a full-strength side for the clash, naming an unchanged team from the one that lost 7-0 at Liverpool. But with just two full days to rest and prepare for the visit of Southampton this Sunday, Selles expects to see a few changes.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag gives updates on Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen

“We had a dinner with the technical staff to watch it [United vs Betis], they started really solid," Selles said. "In the second part of the game they are very strong, I think it was a clear example of what they are. I am conscious of every minute of the game. We know they can have a strong start and Old Trafford will be pushing them forward.

"We are working on our principles on how we will attack the game. We are planning for the first minute and the last minute. It is not an easy task, but we will be ready. I expect Man United to make some rotation in the team as it’s not easy to play every three days. We have been getting more points away from home but we are preparing for every match the same.

"We will play against any other team trying to win the match. To go to Old Trafford can be a good moment or never a good moment, but the reality is that we need to be focused on our own tasks."

Selles may be forced into a change of his own on Sunday, with Carlos Alcaraz facing a race to be fit in time for the trip to Old Trafford. The Argentine was the hero last weekend as his goal handed the Saints a 1-0 win over Leicester City, but a knee injury in the celebrations forced the forward off and although scans alleviated initial worry, he is still doubtful for the weekend.

"Charlie [Alcaraz] was with us in training. He is doing better, but we still need to see if he will be with us for the final session and be in the squad on Sunday. Everyone else is available.”

"You know they are young players. He has been feeling a little bit guilty [after the celebration] but let's see if he is not fit for the game [at Old Trafford], he will be for sure for the midweek game against Brentford."

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