Manchester United put their poor away form behind them and came away from Saint Mary’s Stadium with all three points. Bruno Fernandes condemned Southampton to defeat with the only goal in the game.
Manchester United vs Southampton Summary
Erik ten Hag made no changes to the side, which beat Liverpool on Monday. The Reds began the game slowly, but did grow into the contest. The game was a cagey affair with many long balls and physical battles.
Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho saw plenty of the ball early on and were the two most threatening players. United’s first real chance was a goalmouth scramble. Anthony Elanga saw his effort saved and the ball fell to Fernandes. United’s number eight saw his shot blocked and the ball found it’s way into the path of Eriksen. The Danish playmaker had the entire goal to aim at, however a flurry of Southampton defenders put their lives on the line and blocked it. Let off for the Saints.
The hosts did have some half chances, but the Red Devils defence dealt with the majority of things thrown their way. United began the second half with more urgency with Elanga and Fernandes combining on multiple occasions. The breakthrough eventually came through Fernandes, who got his first goal of the season.
Following some controlled possession play on the right flank, Dalot found himself in space in the final third. The fullback picked out his Portuguese compatriot, who found the bottom left corner of the net. After the goal, ten Hag’s men became more passive, while Southampton threw numbers forward.
David de Gea made one decent reflex save late on to deny the hosts from getting an equaliser and Dalot also cleared the ball off the line. The final whistle went and the Reds had won away and kept a clean sheet.
Manchester United vs Southampton Player Ratings
David de Gea 6/10
Didn’t have much work to do, but made a smart, reflex save in the second half. The Spaniards lack of ability on the ball is hindering ten Hag’s plans to build out from the back.
Diogo Dalot 8/10
A dominant performance from the fullback. Defensively superb, proactive in possession and grabbed an assist. Had one lapse of concentration in the second half, but a man of the match display from the Portuguese international.
Raphael Varane 8/10
Another brilliant display from the Frenchman. Composed alongside Martinez and deserves to keep his place for the foreseeable future. A Rolls-Royce performance.
Lisandro Martinez 8/10
Stood his ground against Southampton’s direct and aggressive forwards. Some brilliant passing on display from the Argentine. Like, Dalot he had the odd lapse of concentration.
Tyrell Malacia 7/10
Another promising performance from United’s new left back. Made a few stray passes early on but grew into the game. Made numerous recovery challenges.
Scott McTominay 6/10
Helped win the midfield battle and was impressive aerially. Needs to improve in possession, as there was simply too many sideways and backward passes. Likely to be replaced by Casemiro for next weeks games.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Didn’t have a great game and made some reckless decisions in the first half. Improved as the game went on and got the all-important winner with a magnificent volley.
Christian Eriksen 6/10
Was United’s best player in the first half, creating numerous chances. Was anonymous at times in the second half.
Anthony Elanga 5/10
Was poor in the first half but was a lot more involved in the second period. Played a role in the goal and was combined well with Fernandes throughout.
Marcus Rashford 5/10
An underwhelming performance, considering the intensity he played at against Liverpool. Wasn’t completely his fault as he looks significantly better on the left flank opposed to through the middle.
Jadon Sancho 6/10
Had some decent moments in the first half. Was silky on the ball and was a threat. Didn’t do enough in the second half and was taken off for Ronaldo. Needs to improve with the imminent arrival of Antony.
Subs
Cristiano Ronaldo 5/10
A poor cameo. Some wayward passing late on although United were on the back-foot in the second half.
Casemiro 6/10
Came on late to see out the victory-did exactly that.
Fred 6/10
Another late cameo. Added an extra body in midfield. Booked late on.
Manager Erik ten Hag 7/10
Decided to name the same team, which emphatically out-performed Liverpool. However the team did not reach the same heights. Sancho and Elanga on different flanks didn’t work and Rashford wasn’t effective through the middle. Unlucky that Martial was out with an injury, as he would have likely started ahead of Elanga. Substitutions could have perhaps come earlier, but the Reds fans won’t be complaining with a clean sheet and a win away from home.
