Manchester United vs Southampton Summary
A dynamite performance from the home side as Manchester United swept Southampton aside at Old Trafford. A 90 second red card for debutant Jankewitz gave United a good advantage but we never expected this type of score line. First half goals from Wan-Bissaka, Rashford, Bednarek (OG) and Cavani sealed the fate for the away side. Most teams would then give a little and play the game out but this side is clearly aware of how goal difference can affect a season.
Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial came on to kill the game off and protect Shaw and Cavani. While it took time for the fifth, it was dispatched excellently by Martial. The goals kept flooding in with McTominay, Fernandes and Martial making it eight. During that period, Manchester United were awarded a controversial penalty for which Southampton lost another man and became the second side that day to be reduced to nine men. Dan James equalled the record with a deft flick and compelled Southampton to suffer a 9-0 defeat in consecutive seasons.
Manchester United moved level on points with City albeit with two more games played and crucially cut the goal difference from 14 to 5. The team needed to win and a lot of players needed a goal. This match certainly embodies bouncing back with style! A much needed win at Old Trafford where United have struggled post-lockdown and certainly for goals too. United must carry on and keep winning in this tight title race. Everton next and only a win will do.
Manchester United vs Southampton Player Ratings
David de Gea 8/10
A good save to deny Ward-Prowse and strong under pressure from corners. Will be happy with the clean sheet and could tell he was visibly furious when he thought United conceded.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 10/10
Brilliant attacking performance and a trademark excellent defensive one too! Took his goal brilliantly and put in some excellent crosses including the assist for Martial.
Victor Lindelof 8/10
Composed and classy in his distribution. Shifted play really well and a super long ball to Rashford for the opener.
Harry Maguire 9/10
Really impressed with his passing. It got United moving and stretched Southampton in places where United can cause trouble. Practically flawless.
Luke Shaw 9/10
Exceptional again. Two fantastic crosses to tee up Wan-Bissaka and Cavani. Good that he was rested but would have loved him to get a hattrick of assists!
Scott McTominay 9/10
Fortunate not to be seriously injured by the early challenge but fought on. Crisp passing, strong play and a fabulous goal in another great performance from McTominay.
Fred 8/10
Thought he played slowly in the first half but as a makeshift left back, he was sharp and made good runs down the channels.
Mason Greenwood 8.5/10
Shifted the play really well and sharp movement for the second goal. His linkup with Rashford is almost magnetic.
Bruno Fernandes 10/10
Super performance from Bruno. Even if he didn’t get two assists and a goal, it would be a great performance. His linkup was world class and he put in some deadly crosses too.
Marcus Rashford 8.5/10
Much better on the left. So much better. Took his goal well and a wicked cross for the third. Good that he was rested as he has to be just as sharp on Saturday.
Edinson Cavani 8.5/10
Really good first half. Took his goal brilliantly and again his build-up play was superb. Hopefully he is fit to start on Saturday.
Substitutes:
Donny van de Beek 8/10
Good to see him play. Sharp passing and got in great positions. Would like to see him start in the FA Cup on Tuesday.
Anthony Martial 9/10
Had 45 minutes to bounce back to his best and truly took it. His holdup play was excellent, his passing sharp and the goals he scored would make the best strikers proud. I think he still should grow his way back to the starting position but he is making the choice difficult for Ole again. Which is a good thing.
Daniel James 8/10
Offered good width and a fresh pair of legs. Excellent finish for number 9 and a good 30 minutes under his belt.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 10/10
Firstly the lineup was spot on. Many of the pundits on BT Sport questioned why Ole brought two defensive midfielders in instead of one 6 but underestimating Southampton has cost the big Six points on numerous occasions. Nevertheless, the message in the dressing room at half time was to keep going and keep scoring. That certainly hasn’t been the case with some managers…Was able to rest players and give others crucial game time and chances to shine, which they did.
Alex McCarthy 5/10
Made some decent saves and helpless for all nine goals.
Kayne Ramsay 6/10
Hard challenge made harder by the red card. Held his own at times. Can only get easier for him.
Jack Stevens 4/10
Had no real commanding presence.
Jan Bednarek 3/10
Poor own goal to concede but unlucky with the penalty as it was an unfair albeit consistent red card.
Ryan Bertrand 3/10
Poor game for an experienced player. Could not keep Greenwood or Wan-Bissaka quiet. Left Rashford with too much space for the third.
James Ward-Prowse 4/10
Dropped deep but couldn’t get any hold of the game. Decent freekick.
Alex Jankewitz N/A
Horrendous challenge. Just awful.
Stuart Armstrong 3/10
Worked hard but totally outdone.
Moussa Djenepo 5/10
Offered a spark in attack. Worked hard to defend against Shaw but to no real avail.
Danny Ings 3/10
Struggled to track back and cost Southampton the opener.
Che Adams 4/10
Could have scored twice but unlucky for the first and wasteful for the second.
Substitutes:
Nathan Redmond 4/10
Lively at points but no real effect bar one chance.
Allan Tchapchet 3/10
Not an ideal situation to make his debut. I’m sure we’ll see more of him.
Ralf Hasenhuttl 5/10
Not much he could do other than try and keep the score line low. Unfortunately he failed at that. Had limited options on the bench and so could not change much. I do feel sorry for him to a degree.
