Van Persie Rooney Manchester United
Manchester United forward Rooney might have to step up with Robin Van Persie a doubtReuters

In the last game, David Moyes was saved by a teenager that goes by the name of Adnan Januzaj, who scored a couple of outstanding goals on his first start for Manchester United to pull the English Premier League champions out of seriously troubled waters against bottom side Sunderland.

On Saturday, United will be up against a side that are on a high, and have garnered four more points than them after seven games. Southampton have been in outstanding form this season, with Mauricio Pochettino taking the Saints up a level or two.

Southampton's defence has been better than rock solid, having conceded just two goals all season, and with United's attacking threat far from potent at the moment, the Saints, who have an impressive 14 points, will be quietly confident of another clean sheet.

United do have one thing going for them, though, and that will be an English core buzzing from qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil.

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones helped England overcome Montenegro and Poland in their final two World Cup qualifiers over the last week or so, and that confidence will definitely be taken forward in a United shirt.

Rooney scored in both of England's games and Moyes will look to the forward for some goalscoring quality.

"I think he's at the age in his career where he would be one of the main players and he's certainly a main player for Manchester United and England," Moyes said.

"From that point of view, it's what you'd expect. He takes responsibility, scores the goals that are required and he's done that from a young age. The age he is now, he's got that maturity and it shows in how he plays and the condition he is in with the way he is playing for club and country.

"I saw Wayne on that first day of pre-season and yet you people [the press] were telling me you felt differently. I saw him in great form and great fettle, training fantastic from day one, but you want to say different things."

Team News: Rooney's importance to the United team for Saturday's game has increased with Robin Van Persie a major doubt, after the Dutch striker, who recently became his country's record goalscorer, picked up a knock on his calf on international duty with the Netherlands. Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez are also going to be assessed after their long trips.

"We've got a few who came back with a few bumps and bruises," Moyes told MUTV. "Probably the one we're most worried about is Robin van Persie. Antonio is very late coming back from South America. Chicharito too. They're the ones who always have long-haul flights. But we're a bit worried about Robin and the condition he's come back in. We'll see how he is tomorrow (Saturday).

"He got a kick in the calf and he came off at half-time in the second game. He had a kick in the calf and he also had problems with his toes as well. We'll see how he is."

For Southampton, goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who missed Poland's World Cup qualifier against England on Tuesday, is expected to be fit, with Luke Shaw also making a return.

Key men: Manchester United: All eyes will be on Januzaj, and if Moyes gives the youngster another start, the young playmaker will be keen to impress yet again.

Southampton: The strike pair of Pablo Osvaldo and Rickie Lambert will cause problems aplenty to the Manchester United defence.

Where to watch

The match is scheduled for a 7.30 p.m. (IST) star with live coverage on ESPN. You can also catch the match live online by clicking the official link HERE.

Expected lineups: Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Fellaini, Carrick; Nani, Rooney, Januzaj; Welbeck.

Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw; Lallana, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Davis; Lambert, Osvaldo.

Prediction: 1-0 to Manchester United