Reporting live from Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag confirms 4 first-team Manchester United stars who were available for selection again Liverpool will not be available for Southampton clash. According to Reports, it has been confirmed that some senior star won’t be available for selection against Southampton due to personal reasons and injury. He said, “We are still in transition period but NO excuses. We have to win every game and with my new starting lineup I know we will win. I know that. The team knows that and it doesn’t matter who is available. We will focus on every game and approach it with the mindset that we have to win.” The Red Devils are set to face Southampton on Saturday, at St. Mary’s Stadium with 4 first team players.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that both Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw will be unavailable for the upcoming Premier League match against Southampton. The Red Devils are scheduled to face Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, September 14.

Neither Hojlund nor Shaw has featured for United this season. The 21-year-old Danish forward, Hojlund, sustained a hamstring injury during the team’s pre-season clash with Arsenal on their U.S. tour. Shaw, meanwhile, picked up a calf injury early in pre-season training.

Many supporters were optimistic that the pair would return after the international break. However, ten Hag provided an update on their progress, explaining (via Fabrizio Romano on X), “Rasmus Højlund and Luke Shaw are recovering well but will not be available for Saturday’s game against Southampton.”

In addition to Hojlund and Shaw, United is grappling with several other injuries, including Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelöf, Daniel Gore, and Mason Mount. These absences have affected the team’s start to the 2024-25 season, with United managing just one win from their first three Premier League matches.

Despite the challenges, ten Hag stressed that there are no excuses and the team must focus on securing victories. The Dutchman stated, “We are still in a period of transition, but that’s no excuse. We have to win every game. I know that, and the players know it too. We approach each game with the mindset that we need to win.”

United currently sits 14th in the Premier League standings, with only three points from their first three games—far from their expectations for the season.

In other developments, former Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged ten Hag to consider appointing Kobbie Mainoo as United’s captain. Petit believes the 19-year-old midfielder is the future of the club and should be entrusted with leadership early in his career.

In an interview with *Top Offshore Sportsbooks*, Petit highlighted Mainoo and fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho as the future leaders of the team. He said (via *Metro*), “I don’t see any leaders in the squad. United’s top performers have been players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. It would be bold, but if I were Ten Hag, I’d consider making Mainoo the captain.”

Petit further noted that Mainoo, though young, is English and gaining recognition on the national stage, making him a figure of pride for United fans. He added, “Perhaps Ten Hag needs to send a message to his underperforming players and show that he’s ready to fight with those who are willing to fight with him.”

Bruno Fernandes was named Manchester United captain in 2023 under ten Hag, but Petit’s suggestion reflects ongoing discussions about leadership within the club. Since debuting for United in 2022, Mainoo has scored five goals and provided one assist in 39 appearances across all competitions.

As United prepares for their clash with Southampton, the team faces increasing pressure to find their form, despite mounting injuries and growing expectations from fans and pundits alike.