Manchester United v. Southampton - Preview

Manchester United kick off the Premiership month of December with a home fixture against struggling Southampton, hoping to pickup their great form from November into the festive-month.

The South Coast side are just in the dreaded Premiership trap-door, 18th spot, following a string of bad results and injury woes to big-name players.

Fans of Southampton have called for boss Steve Wigley's head, insisting he's not fit to manage a Premiership club with the magnitude The Saints possess.

Controversial Chairman Rupert Lowe has failed to find a manager who can pick up from Gordon Stachan's success following the Scotsman's resignation. Lowe tried a pop at another Scotsman, Paul Sturrock, but the now Sheffield Wednesday boss failed to perform on the big stage. Steve Wigley is now also straining to force wins out of games.

However, Wigley himself is confident about his future. "Five years ago, I never thought it would be the case that I would be in charge, but the chance came along." he said.

He added: "I decided to take the project on and I still believe I can do the job. I accept people will ask me about my position and future, but I don't have to answer questions if I don't want to,"

Goalkeeper Antti Niemi is doubtful to retain his no.1 spot in-between the sticks so on-loan Kasey Keller is likely to start. James Beattie and Claus Lundekvam could return despite injury niggles.

Sir Alex Ferguson will have to do without Kleberson and Louis Saha for the game, and has urged The Red Devils to start putting pressure on leaders Chelsea. "Chelsea are in a comfort zone at the moment," claimed Ferguson.

"What we have to do is work ourselves into a position where they are looking over their shoulders at us. We have not reached that point just yet."  

"Hopefully we will because we are just starting to get on a run now."

ManUtdWeb Prediction: United 2 - 0 Southampton - This should be an easy victory for us, but the Premiership has taught us never to underestimate a club. The Arsenal midweek win should cue us up for this game.

MUTV Coverage

Sunday 5th December at 12midnight, repeated at 10pm