Southampton vs Manchester United Summary

Manchester United completed a historic comeback at Saint Mary’s. United’s first half seemed to go wrong in every way. United created three big chances and failed to make them count in one way or another. While United failed to take their chances, Southampton did not. A dangerous set-piece flicked on by Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse the deliverer then, scored the second with a stunning freekick. This left United in a dangerous position as Southampton are perfectly kitted out for the counter and had not conceded a goal in over 5 hours at St Mary’s before this game.

United brought on two substitutes at half time. One forced as David de Gea suffered a nasty injury in his attempt to save the freekick so Dean Henderson made his Premier League debut for Manchester United against Southampton – the team he faced on his final game for Sheffield United. Cavani came on for Greenwood to add more movement in attack and boy did it work. A quality cross to tee up Fernandes to halve the deficit and two exceptional headers to win the game in some style. I have never been happier to predict a 3-2 win for United!

United won the game and climbed up to eighth and are currently on their highest points tally after nine games in five of their last seven seasons. United will drop to ninth regardless of the result between Villa and West Ham. Nevertheless, United know that if they win their game in hand, they will be just two points off first. It’s a tight battle for the title right now and United are undeniably in the race as it stands. With tricky games against West Ham (A) and Manchester City (H), United cannot lose either.

Southampton vs Manchester United Player Ratings

David de Gea 6/10

Undeniably could not have done anything about either goals. Did all he could to save the second and got badly injured doing it. He still managed to keep out a well-hit effort by Djenepo after this but had to be taken off at half time. I expect him to be back for the weekend but not for PSG.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10

Very solid defensively but a couple of slips with Djenepo who was electric but mostly handled well. Put in one good cross to Cavani but more output needed in attack. His passing out from the back is improving well.

Victor Lindelof 8.5/10

Composed and strong. There were two quick players up top and he dealt with them well and made a great recovery run when Armstrong was through on goal. Really good performance again. Will need to be at his best against PSG.

Harry Maguire 8/10

A solid game most of the match but struggled a bit with Adams’ pace. Something that PSG can expose quite heavily. Will have to be more alert on Wednesday.

Alex Telles 7.5/10

Another dangerous series of crosses to cause problems for Southampton. He did well defensively but the attacking output was exceptional. His crosses from corners caused problems and one resulted in the equaliser. Came off for what I can assume is a precautionary knock.

Fred 5/10

I said going into this game that Fred’s inability to shift the ball quickly would cause problems and I was right. At least for the first half as he gave away the freekick cheaply and Southampton scored. In the second half he was better but he will have to be quicker on the ball against PSG. If he loses out in a dangerous position, Neymar and Mbappe will punish United.

Nemanja Matic 5/10

He was sluggish and static for the most part. I do think he is struggling to get going. Whether that means he needs more training or more game time he will get both with McTominay and Pogba still out.

Donny van de Beek 9/10

Honestly brilliant. Composed on the ball, quick with his passing and took up dangerous positions all game long. You can see the passion in his play and when United won the game. He has to keep playing because his class is showing every game.

Bruno Fernandes 8.5/10

Had a good effort early in the game and missed a sitter from Greenwood’s rebound but still continued to be a crucial attacker. He scored United’s first and was involved in both of Cavani’s headers. You cannot keep this man quiet for long.

Marcus Rashford 7.5/10

Looked a bit sluggish at points but made some dangerous runs and his interplay was much better as he looked to create more than score. Could have teed up Cavani earlier but did so when it mattered.

Mason Greenwood 5/10

I’m not critical of Mason Greenwood today. I think he is a bit rusty after coming back from injuries and illnesses and I don’t doubt he will bounce back.

Substitutes:

Dean Henderson 6.5/10

Solid when he came on. Only had to make two saves and both were comfortable but well held. Good distribution and if he starts against PSG it will be a massive task.

Edinson Cavani 10/10

Magnificent. Did everything right and more. A great cross to Bruno, excellent link up play and two poachers’ headers. El Matador showed his worth in a game that needed a bit of quality and demonstrated that class really is permanent. Just brilliant and I do expect him to start against PSG.

Brandon Williams 6.5/10

Solid. Did nothing wrong. Decent cameo.

Man of the Match: Edinson Cavani

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8.5/10

The diamond was the right tactic. It was clear. I have been critical of the zonal marking Ole puts out and while there is an argument that this was at fault, you have to credit Ward-Prowse’s delivery. United did create chances and play good football but while it failed to work in the first half, it was a clear success in the second. Bringing on Cavani had to happen and it worked a treat. The other subs were injury related so cannot give credit for those. Kudos for pointing at the watch in Fergie time as it clearly had a reaction! This was a game United had to win and one we probably would have lost 18 months ago. A massive win and four in a row but bigger challenges await in the next two weeks.