Manchester United vs Southampton preview: Wayne Rooney hoping to continue fine form

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney after scoring against Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

It’s a big game for…

Louis Van Gaal: The United manager has answered some critics since his team went eight games without a win over the holiday period, claiming that his side could ‘still win the title’ on Sunday. But the Dutchman still is under pressure to produce more exciting football, despite going undefeated in the New Year.

Best stat…

8: Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last eight top-flight matches against Southampton.

Remember when…

Massimo Taibi let in this memorable blunder in a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford back in 1999.

Player to watch…

Wayne Rooney: The United frontman has bagged five in his last four matches; a stunning return to form since being criticised at the start of the season. His most recent goal against Liverpool made him the highest scoring player for a single team in Premier League history.

Past three-meetings…

Southampton 2 (Pelle 2) Man Utd 3 (Martial 2, Mata), Premier League, September 2015

Man Utd 0 Southampton 1 (Tadic), Premier League, January 2015

Southampton 1 (Pelle) Man Utd 2 (van Persie 2), Premier League, December 2014

Form guide…

Man Utd: LDWWDW

Southampton: WLLLWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm