Theo Walcott raises Southampton concerns ahead of Manchester United clash
09/13/2024 03:44 AM
Theo Walcott already has concerns for his former club Southampton in the Premier League.
The Saints host Manchester United in the early kick-off on Saturday, but Russell Martin's side have yet to pick up a point from their opening three matches.
Martin has been determined to continue with a possession-based style of play but the issue, according to Walcott, is the squad consists of too many inexperienced players.
This bodes well for United and we need a pickup after losing back-to-back games against Brighton and Liverpool.
Speaking ahead of United's trip to St. Mary's Stadium, Walcott stressed that he can see concerning similarities with the relegated Saints team he was part of two seasons ahead.
"I didn't have them as one of the clubs going down in pre-season," Walcott said, as quoted by The Mirror. "They were playing a possession-based style but they were always going to have less in the Premier League.
"It doesn't matter how many players come in the door, you need to make sure you're not disrupting the group. I'm noticing a lot of similarities with the year we were relegated.
"There are a lot of young players without much experience. There's a pattern they need to get out of. It's always going to be difficult for these clubs, we understand that, but I still feel it will at some point click.
"The personnel maybe isn't just quite suited to the Premier League yet. In time they will, experience will help. But do you play a certain way in games to get results or continue to play they way you want to play as a manager?
"I like the way he sticks to his guns – a bit like Ange [Postecoglou] at Tottenham – but he will adapt at some point. Russell Martin hasn't managed in the Premier League, it's a whole different experience.
"If they do go down it will be an experience for Russell Martin that he will have to help them go back up.
"There needs to be a balance. It's tough for any team coming up with the money and structure of clubs now. I'm concerned about their start but it's early days.
"Christmas is when you look. When we got relegated we were half and half but declined in the new year. The changes in managers, the changes in personnel never helped because we were always adapting. They have a structure, in time I think it will click. Hopefully."
There can be no excuses made if United drop points against Southampton this weekend. Every game is a must-win if we want to raise standards in the league.
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