Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United team selection vs Southampton

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly approached interim Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick last season to call for captain Harry Maguire to be dropped - but the defender wasn't in the room for the secret meeting. United endured a difficult campaign last season, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting sacked in November before Rangnick failed to guide them to a top four spot, meaning the Red Devils missed out Champions League qualification and will instead be playing in the Europa League.The return of Ronaldo was also a major talking point, with the forward returning to Old Trafford after 12 years away.

Lisandro Martinez had already endeared himself to the Manchester United faithful, but an interaction with the travelling support in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton will have bolstered his status.

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ajax for the signing of long-term target Antony. The Brazilian international will become the club's fifth signing of the summer and take their spending past the £200million mark once he has completed a medical and finalised personal terms with the Red Devils.

Rio Ferdinand believes that being named captain in Manchester United's previous two matches had a positive impact on Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester United’s legendary number seven jersey if things land the right way.The now-former Ajax player is set to be unveiled as a United player after United agreed an £85million transfer fee with the club for the Brazilian- but questions remain over what kit number he will take up.Antony wore the number 11 in the Netherlands but it’s not thought he will be taking up that number again at Old Trafford because it's held by Mason Greenwood.READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo agent 'talking with Chelsea again' as Aubameyang transfer stallsThe winger also likes the number 39, the shirt he wore at his first club Sao Paulo and during his inaugural season at Ajax.But one Scott McTominay current occupies that number. But there remains a distinct possibility that Antony takes up the number seven - the number made famous by United legends such as George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently wears the jersey for the side.

Why United target De Jong is in London

Manchester United reportedly looked into signing Everton attacking midfielder Anthony Gordon before deciding to make a final push to sign Antony from Ajax.

Antony was at Carrington on Monday ahead of completing his move from Ajax to Manchester United.

Raphael Varane has revealed why he wanted to keep the shirt number he first wore at Real Madrid when he completed his move to Manchester United a year ago. United signed the French defender on a four-year deal worth £42million a year ago, and he quickly established himself as a key player at the club.

Former striker Michael Owen believes Casemiro's addition to the squad could further impact Manchester United captain Harry Maguire's prospects of winning his place back in Erik ten Hag's plans.

Scott McTominay has lauded Manchester United's signings of midfielder Casemiro and defender Lisandro Martinez this summer.

A former Lazio legend has claimed that Victor Osimhen is better than Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in one particular area.

Manchester United secured a vital 1-0 away victory over Southampton to end a barren run of seven consecutive losses on the road - but they may have been very lucky to do so.Bruno Fernandes' second half effort was enough for Erik ten Hag’s side to register back to back victories. United fans were likely still celebrating their 2-1 home victory over Liverpool in the days preceding the clash against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.However, there was an element of good fortune as midfield enforcer Scott McTominay appeared to handle the ball, not once, not twice, but three times in the penalty area.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s full-time reaction against Southampton was strikingly different to his behaviour after Manchester United’s defeat to Brentford earlier this month.The Portuguese forward’s desire to leave the Red Devils this summer has been no secret. His lack of a transfer away and United’s lacklustre form to begin the campaign painted the picture of a frustrated man who had simply had enough.But the iconic no.7’s body language was far more promising after United secured their second win on the trot with a 1-0 victory over Southampton at Saint Mary’s on Saturday, which came courtesy of a 55th minute Bruno Fernandes volley.READ MORE: Three things Erik ten Hag got right as Man Utd inch past SouthamptonRonaldo started on the bench again but was brought on in the 68th minute for Jadon Sancho.

Bruno Fernandes has urged Manchester United's dressing room to maintain high standards for the rest of the season.

Manchester United were snubbed of a chance of grabbing the opening goal after some resolute Southampton defending in the side's Premier League clash.At St Mary’s Stadium on 18 minutes, hearts were in mouths as United forged a number of opportunities on goal, only for the Saints' defense to keep each one out in quick succession.It began when Diogo Dalot whipped the ball into the Southampton box. Bruno Fernandes’ header was mistimed, but the ball fell kindly to Anthony Elanga, whose first shot was well saved by Gavin Bazunu.

Southampton wasn't nearly as emphatic or impressive as their win over Liverpool five days ago, but getting three points is all Manchester United will care about, and rightly so.Bruno Fernandes' sumptuous volley opened the scoring for the Red Devils, crucially breaking the deadlock after a lacklustre first half display. Just like against Liverpool, United were under the cosh for much of the second period, though managed to hold onto their lead.Here, Daily Star Sport runs through the three things Erik ten Hag got right at St Mary's as United climb back into the top half of the Premier League.READ MORE: Antony slams Ajax in incredible interview demanding they let him join Man UtdHe'd have been mad not to! After the scintillating performance his players produced against Liverpool, every single one of them deserved to start this afternoon.Ten Hag made some big calls on Monday, namely dropping Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire, and he stuck to his guns again today, opting for the same youthful exuberance that so fluidly opened up Jurgen Klopp's side up on Monday.It wasn't the best of team performances, but the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Lisandro Martinez are all looking fitter, sharper and happier - and they've got Ten Hag's faith in them to thank for that.Sum up Manchester United's performance today in one word in the comments section below.United didn't splash £60million on Casemiro just to leave him on the bench! Ten Hag might have been wise to keep an unchanged side, but he was wiser still to realise when the game needed the Brazilian's energetic tenacity and defensive astuteness.With the visitors holding on to a narrow 1-0 lead, Casemiro was introduced.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to start Casemiro on the bench vs Southampton.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will thank his lucky stars football is not played on the supercomputer. The odds were stacked against the Dutchman when his United side, who had been previously been pulverised by Brentford 4-0, lined up against Liverpool.