Jose Mourinho began his Manchester United tenure with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the opening week of the season. United will now take on Southampton, in what will be the first Friday night game this season. Juan Mata opened the scoring for the Red Devils, before Rooney and Ibrahimovic secured the win in the second half. The match against Southampton will see world record signing Paul Pogba making his return to Old Trafford. The transfer window is about to close in just a few days but it seems like Mourinho has already done all of his business. Here is the predicted Manchester United starting XI that might start on Friday.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Would have been disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet against Bournemouth but it was still a resounding win for the away team. If fit, De Gea is a guaranteed starter ahead of Romero.
Defenders: Eric Bailly, Blind, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia
With Smalling still on his way to full match fitness, Mourinho is likely to stick with the same back four that started last Sunday and why not, given how solid the defenders were. Bailly has just been superb form this summer, and surely deserves a place in the starting XI alongside either Blind or Smalling. On Friday, Bailly will continue in central defense alongside Daley Blind. Luke Shaw is looking to get as much game time as he can after missing out on the majority of last season with a horror double leg break. He will slot in at left back, with Valencia as the right back.
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Carrick, Rooney, Martial and Mkhitaryan
The good news for United fans is that Pogba will be available for the match against Southampton, after serving out his suspension in the opener. Fans across the world are eager to see the big money signing make his return. He is likely to be given the nod ahead of Fellaini. Pogba will start in central midfield alongside Carrick, who main duty will be screening the back four. Rooney opened his account for the campaign with a cheeky header goal last Sunday. He will continue in that number 10 role, with Martial on the left wing. Mata did score in the last match but one would like to see Mkhitaryan starting in the next match. His passing and vision is second to none in the squad.
Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic announced himself on the Premier League stage with an excellent long-range effort in the last game. He will continue up front with Rashford on the bench to provide cover.