Head-to-head: Southampton’s Cedric Soares v Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian

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Southampton and Manchester United will meet at St. Mary’s on Sunday.

Southampton’s match against Manchester United on Sunday will pit two of the Premier League’s newest right-backs against one another.

The Saints’ Cedric Soares and United’s Matteo Darmian have both made impressive starts with their new clubs, and appear to have settled into Premier League life with relative ease.

Soares joined Southampton from Sporting Lisbon, while Darmian arrived at Old Trafford from Torino, and both have played in all of their side’s matches to date. But how do their efforts so far this season compare?

It is clear to see from the stats below that Darmian has been stronger defensively. The Italian has built a reputation as a sturdy full-back, and he has already shown his quality.

The Italy international has made more tackles, won more duels and completed more clearances than Soares so far, but on the front foot it is the Southampton defender who looks the more astute.

Soares has been competent going forward so far, and his dribbling totals dwarf Darmian’s, who is less comfortable taking players on.

The Southampton new boy has also completed more interceptions, showing a proactive approach, and he has laid on over a chance per match for his teammates, on average.

The pair will be in direct competition at the weekend, and their performances will be key as their respective employers look to click into top gear and position themselves favourably within the top-flight standings.