Seeing the performance of the game getting better I'm sure Manchester United will be able to secure 3 points against Southampton at St Mary Stadium. But since the beginning of this season we have not seen the figure of the Star Manchester United Cr7 showing his slick performance in the first 3 matches even though in the previous season he was the top scorer at Manchester United and was a very influential player for Manchester United. Against southampton Cr7 seems to be trying hard to give his best contribution by scoring goals.
Call it Ronaldo playing in the first half, then Casemiro also made his debut at Man United, plus Martinez is also still in the main squad whose back line is still without Maguire. Maybe it will be the ideal strategy for Erik Ten Hag who is far more capable and can beat Southampton. If such a formation is controlled very well, it is very possible for Man United to secure the total score.
Actually in this case even without Ronaldo in front as long as in defense there is Martinez and Varane this might be good coupled with Casemiro who can play an active role in defense and help attack in midfield.
But it would be better if Ronaldo played because indeed in some of the matches he played he always started from the bench.