Fernandes lauds Zirkzee’s redemption arc following FA Cup heroics

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is happy for Joshua Zirkzee, whose redemption arc was completed after he scored the winning penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday.

That moment came just two weeks after Zirkzee was hooked for 33 minutes in United's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in late November.

According to Fernandes, it was fully deserved after a period in which the Dutch attacker had worked hard.

“The script had been around for a long time,” he said. “You know, if you're a good person and you do the right things, you may have bad moments, but in the end everything will come out strong.

“It was a decision by the staff to choose the five players who would receive the penalty, and they put Josh last. The only thing on my mind was to tell the players that the script was ready.

“So since that moment against Newcastle, everything has been done to prepare us to give Josh his moment, his honor and his flowers at this moment.

“We can talk about whatever people want to talk about, like 'fines, that's easy.' That's how we came to penalties [Bayindir] saved the penalty [in normal time] by Martin Odegaard who had not missed one in his professional career.

“Then Josh, in a moment of pressure with everything he's been going through in his head, steps up and gives us the win.”

Our first home game of the year is coming up #MUFC || #PL

– Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 14, 2025

Southampton head coach Ivan Juric, meanwhile, has suggested his team must be active in the transfer window to stay in the Premier League.

When asked if they would bring anyone in, he said: “I hope so. I think we need players in some positions.

“We will see what will happen in the last twenty days. My idea is that we need players who can improve the level of the team a little.”

“For me, all the good players should stay here and, if possible, get another one to be more competitive.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes

United captain Fernandes has scored seven goals in all competitions, including his side's only goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend.

The Portuguese is also level with Marcus Rashford as the Red Devils' top scorer in the Premier League on four points.

Only four forwards (attacking midfielders, wingers or forwards) have made more progressive passes in open play than Fernandes (88).

Southampton – Tyler Dibliing

Dibling is one of three Southampton players to top the Premier League table with two goals, while he also scored in Sunday's 3-0 win over Swansea in the FA Cup.

The 18-year-old youth player has stood out in the campaign so far, also recording two assists and will be looking to impress at Old Trafford.

MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches against Southampton this match, having opened up a 29-11 lead in that period.

Amorim's side also enter this match after back-to-back draws against league leaders Liverpool and third-placed Arsenal, who they defeated on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend.

However, the Red Devils have lost each of their last three home games in the Premier League. They last lost more in a row in February 1934 as a second-tier side (five), while they last did so in the top flight in October 1930 (six).

Southampton were beaten 5-0 at home to Brentford in their last league match, leaving ten games without a win (D2 L8). Saints have won just one league match all season (D3 L16) and are 10 points from safety after 20 games.

Southampton also went winless in their last seventeen Premier League away games (D4 L13) – only between March 1985 and February 1986 did they have a longer run without a win on the road in the top flight (19).

They were defeated 3–0 by Manchester United at St Mary's in September – a result which at the time was United's only win in six league games.

OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING

Manchester United – 69%

Draw – 17.2%

Southampton – 13.8%

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