Manchester United go into their second game of the new Premier League season, under Jose Mourinho, on Friday as they are set for a clash with Southampton FC at Old Trafford. This also marks the first home game for the Red Devils in the 2016-17 Premier League season.
The match has got prime importance and is one to look forward to as this also marks the return of France hotshot Paul Pogba and the former Juventus star will be seen in action in a Manchester United shirt after four years. Also, seeing the likes of Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic play together for the first time in club football is yet another mouthwatering prospect.
"Zlatan is the big brother of everyone, he is relaxed, makes joke and on the pitch he is a winner so he will really help the team, with Wazza [Wayne Rooney]," Pogba was quoted as saying by Guardian ahead of the match. "I think he is the oldest in the team and Zlatan is the oldest in the team too, so those two will help the team a lot.
"I'm very happy to come back and wear the [Manchester United] shirt again," added the 23-year-old.
The pressure so far, no doubt, is on Southampton, as they not only have a tough ask to play against a team of star players but also do so in front of a completely hostile crowd. The Saints, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, have a rather depleted squad this time around with the likes of Sadio Mane, Victor Wanyama and Graziano Pelle exiting the club.
Nevertheless, Claude Puel's side will be keen on giving their best foot forward this season as well. "The most important thing for us is not to consider them [Manchester United] as a great team with great players but to consider them as opponents with good opportunities to make a good game and to make a good result," said the French football coach.
Manchester United vs Southampton is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. BST (12:30 a.m. IST, 3 p.m. EST) on Aug. 19.
Where to watch live
India: TV: Star Sports 4/HD 4. Live streaming: starsports.com, Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1/HD, Now TV. Live streaming: Sky Go.
USA: TV: USA Network. Live streaming: NBC Sports Live.
