Man Utd travel south to St Mary’s on Sunday to take on newly-promoted Southampton, in what will be another tough Premier League assignment for Nigel Adkins’ team.

Man Utd start as 4/7 favourites to win the match with bet365, Southampton can be backed at 6/1 with Paddy Power, whilst the draw is available at 3/1 with Sportingbet.

Saints manager Nigel Adkins could hardly have been dealt a more challenging set of opening fixtures as he attempts to prepare his side to face Man Utd, just two weeks after taking on Champions Man City on the opening weekend of the season.  That day Southampton gave City an almighty scare, eventually going down 3-2 after leading the match in the second half.  Following that performance, Southampton were fancied by many to take all three points against Wigan on home turf last weekend, however they let backers down as Wigan took all three points in a 2-0 victory.

Man Utd started the season with a 1-0 defeat at Everton, and followed that with a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford last weekend.  However the main talking point from that match has been the injury Wayne Rooney sustained, which is likely to keep him out of action for at least the next four weeks.  Sir Alex Ferguson can ill afford another casualty on an injury-list that already includes Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling.  The loss of Rooney is somewhat tempered by the signing of Robin Van Persie, who announced his arrival to the home faithful with a stunning goal against Fulham.  However United remain weakened at the back with the loss of those key defenders, and that is bound to be a concern for the manager.

Despite those injuries I think United will prove too strong for Southampton, and can foresee an away win by a couple of goals.  United have failed to keep clean sheets in their opening two matches and I can see that trend continuing, so have a bet on both teams to score at 5/6 with Ladbrokes.  Over 3.5 goals at 7/4 with William Hill is also worthy of a few quid, as is the 3-1 correct score in favour of Man Utd at 11/1 with Stan James.

Southampton vs Man Utd Betting Tips

Both teams to score – 5/6 with Ladbrokes - free £50 bet when you sign up here

Over 3.5 goals – 7/4 with William Hill - free £25 bet when you sign up here

Man Utd to win 3-1 – 11/1 with Stan James - bet £10 here, get a free £10 bet