Ineos pressure, Marcus Rashford decision - five Man United talking points facing Erik ten Hag

Manchester United returns to action this weekend after the international break with a crucial fixture away at Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.

Erik ten Hag's side have suffered a disappointing start to the new Premier League season after losing two of their opening three matches of 2024/25. It follows an eighth-placed finish in the league last season - their lowest since 1989/90.

United must win and perform well on the South Coast against a newly promoted side who have lost all three of their league fixtures so far. Russell Martin's team have lost to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Southampton so far.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag receives Matthijs De Ligt 'cannot continue' warning as Man United defender struggles

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag offers huge Manchester United team news update

The Reds will now be looking to inflict a fourth straight league defeat on the Saints. With all that said, below are five talking points ahead of United's trip to St Mary's.

Ugarte impact

Ten Hag confirmed on Thursday that Manuel Ugarte could make his United debut this weekend. The Uruguayan has been signed to play a crucial role in Ten Hag's team, who have often looked exposed in midfield.

Casemiro's difficult afternoon against Liverpool before the international break highlighted why the Reds need Ugarte so badly. United fans will be desperate to see him play on Saturday.

Ten Hag pressure

Southampton already look destined for relegation just three games into the season. The Saints have looked hopelessly out of their depth and any top team should be licking their lips to face them.

But such is the pressure on Ten Hag after defeats to Brighton and Liverpool that United will already be feeling nervous about what comes next. Anything other than a win will pile the pressure on United's manager and Ineos' decision to stick with the former Ajax boss after last season's struggles.

Rashford question

It's been a difficult start to the new campaign for Marcus Rashford. The 26-year-old has made little to no impact so far and was lucky to stay on the pitch last time out against Liverpool.

Ten Hag must be thinking of dropping Rashford and placing Alejandro Garnacho on the left with Amad on the right. Garnacho's travel on international duty with Argentina may give the English forward another chance, though with a tight turnaround for Saturday's early kick off.

De Ligt's form

Pretty much everything that could have gone wrong for Matthijs De Ligt during the international break did. The centre-back was at fault for goals against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being subbed off at half-time after another error against Germany.

How will this impact United's new defender when he returns to action this weekend? Will Ten Hag even play him? It's a conundrum Ten Hag simply doesn't need.

Zirkzee's importance

Rasmus Hojlund's absence is exactly why United signed Joshua Zirkzee. The Reds were without a striker for large swaths of last season when Hojlund was injured and needed another number nine badly.

Zirkzee has had a mixed start to his United career, having scored the winner against Fulham before accidently denying a goal in bizarre fashion against Brighton. It's time for the Netherlands forward to step up.