Parsley

https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/02/southampton-furious-man-utd-block-jason-wilcox-move-2025-20571526/ - Doesn't sound as if the Wilcox move was conducted particularly amicably.

Suspect this is coming from Man Utd rather than Ashworth.

That's quite a misleading use of statistics. Isak scored more in the league last season than Hojlund has this in less appearances. 5 of Hojlund's goals this season have also come in Europe; Isak obviously didn't play in Europe last season. Age gap granted but it doesn't seem a fair or accurate comparison really.

He's been really good today. Physical limitations were discussed at length in the summer but he's a lovely passer of a football.

Gordon and Willock will be in for Barnes and Anderson I suspect, as Howe seems to be managing their minutes carefully. Hoping that Hall retains his place, and ideally would see Gordon and Barnes start together.

Controversially, I thought Darren Fletcher was great for the winner.

I know what you're saying, but outside of probably Isak there is no other player capable of that shimmy and shot for the winner in the side currently. It was pure clutch.

He's been excellent. Absolute workhorse as well.

I think this is exactly why he hasn't featured much to date. I'd like to think if we'd been 2/3 goals on up on more occasions this season, he'd have featured much more and, with every positive cameo, played his way closer to a start. Sadly, those situations have been few and far between; with results being more precarious, Howe's stuck to what he knows (which I understand). Disappointing to not see him feature more given the fee but I'm also not overly concerned - confident that Howe rates him and we'll see much more of him next season. A full pre-season under Howe will do him wonders.

Ait-Nouri is class.

Once Willock's fully match fit, we'll hopefully see Longstaff rotate more with Miley. Until that point, I can understand Howe's rationale.

He should be in the mix but reckon Curtis Jones will get the nod - similar profile, career on the rise, decent season etc.

Tonali has to start when he's back IMO. He's the only midfielder we have who's shown signs of being able to slow down play and control the ball. While I don't think he can viably play Bruno's position long term, he'll be able to slot in midgame and give us options that the two Joes wouldn't.

Need some cover for Bruno at the very least, potentially a replacement as well if he leaves in the summer. The left and right-sided slots aren't as much of a priority though, agreed.

Brighton away has become a bit of a bogey fixture, for sure. We've beaten them at home in the last 2 meetings though.

With the benefit of hindsight, I think this is probably accurate.

Thought he was much sharper than Willock and Longstaff on the ball. I see his best position as Bruno's role in our current system. He's not naturally attack-minded enough to be a long-term option in the left-sided role IMO.

To be fair, if Lascelles doesn't drop that clanger, I think we see the game out comfortably and probably grab another goal. Momentum was well with us at that point after the triple sub.

We missed a host of gilt-edged chances and gifted them a goal, could've had absolutely no complaints if we went out.

Lacking sharpness and looks low on confidence. Won't be displacing Gordon any time soon on tonight's showing.

Longstaff desperately needs a rest.

If it doesn't hit his arm, it hits his chest I think.

Better from Barnes.

Honestly, we deserve to go out after this nonsense.