Manchester United returned to form with a commanding 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. In a match that began with shaky moments, Erik ten Hag’s side eventually settled in, with key contributions from Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford ensuring the three points. Here’s how the match unfolded and a breakdown of individual performances that defined the game.
The Match Recap
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for United in the beginning, as a nervy opening saw Southampton threaten early on. Diogo Dalot’s clumsy challenge on Southampton debutant Tyler Dibling led to a penalty, and the visitors looked vulnerable. However, goalkeeper André Onana came up big, saving the penalty from Cameron Archer and swinging momentum back in United’s favor.
Shortly after, United capitalized on the shift in momentum. Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise cross into the box, and Matthijs de Ligt rose high to head it past Aaron Ramsdale, marking his first goal for the club. Rashford doubled the lead later in the first half with a powerful strike from outside the box, ending his goal drought since March.
The second half saw both teams struggle to create many chances, but the game was essentially over when Southampton captain Jack Stephens was sent off in the 80th minute for a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. The young Argentine put the icing on the cake with a goal in stoppage time, sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Red Devils.
Positives
- Strong Response After Slow Start: Manchester United responded well after a sluggish beginning and Onana’s penalty save gave them a much-needed boost.
- De Ligt Shines: The Dutch defender not only found the back of the net but was solid in defense throughout the match, which will boost his confidence moving forward.
- Rashford Back Amongst the Goals: Rashford breaking his goal drought is a big plus for United as they look to build on this result in future matches.
- Clean Sheet: Keeping a clean sheet was vital after some defensive woes earlier in the season. The solid performances from both center-backs and Onana will help raise confidence in the defensive unit.
Negatives
- Slow Start: Better opposition could have punished United for their lethargic start. The midfield struggled early on to control the game, and Southampton might have been out of sight had it not been for Onana’s heroics.
- Lack of Control in Midfield Early On: The midfield was too open in the first 20 minutes, allowing Southampton to build up pressure. A more clinical team could have exposed this weakness further.
Manager Rating: Erik ten Hag – 7/10
Ten Hag adapted well after the initial struggles. His decision to tweak the midfield and adjust the tempo of the game after Southampton’s early pressure paid dividends. The timing and effectiveness of his substitutions helped ensure United kept control of the match, and his game management improved after a nervy start.
Player Ratings
GK André Onana – 7/10
Onana was United’s savior early on, making a crucial penalty save to keep his team in the game. He was largely untroubled afterward but looked assured in handling crosses and distributed the ball well.
DF Diogo Dalot – 5/10
Dalot’s careless challenge almost cost United dearly with the penalty, and his performance lacked the defensive solidity required. However, he improved in the second half, pushing his winger wide and allowing little danger to develop down his flank.
DF Matthijs de Ligt – 8/10
De Ligt bounced back from an early lapse to deliver a commanding defensive performance. He was rock solid after that, dealing with Southampton’s forwards comfortably and popping up with a well-taken header to give United the lead. A great recovery from his substitution in the Netherlands’ recent match.
DF Lisandro Martínez – 7/10
Martínez was aggressive in the challenge and read the game well, making key interceptions. His tenacity was on display throughout the match, but his substitution in the second half due to a potential injury raises some concerns.
DF Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
Mazraoui had a solid game at right-back, making good decisions going forward and holding firm defensively. He wasn’t flashy, but his calm presence on the ball added stability to United’s backline.
MF Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
The Portuguese playmaker was the creative spark in the first half, delivering a perfect cross for De Ligt’s goal. While quieter in the second half, his leadership and control in midfield were pivotal in United’s overall performance.
MF Casemiro – 6.5/10
Casemiro was steady without being spectacular. He played his role as a disruptor in the midfield well and was involved in the build-up to Garnacho’s goal.
MF Christian Eriksen – 6/10
Eriksen was neat and tidy with the ball but didn’t provide the level of creativity United needed in the final third. A solid, if unspectacular, showing.
FW Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Rashford’s first goal since March will undoubtedly be a relief for him and United fans. He took his chance well with a powerful strike, and his pace continued to trouble Southampton throughout the match.
FW Alejandro Garnacho – 7/10
Garnacho made an instant impact off the bench, drawing the red card from Stephens and scoring in stoppage time to seal the win. His energy and attacking intent were a positive boost for United.
FAQs
De Ligt was excellent, scoring his first goal for Manchester United and delivering a solid defensive display.
André Onana’s penalty save was crucial, and De Ligt’s performance at both ends of the pitch was outstanding.
Rashford scored with a powerful strike from outside the box, his first goal since March.
Manchester United won 3-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Ten Hag adapted his midfield to gain control of the game, which helped United settle after a slow start.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Southampton is a step in the right direction after some inconsistent performances. De Ligt’s commanding display, Rashford’s return to scoring, and Onana’s penalty save were the standout moments in a match that will give Erik ten Hag plenty to build on. However, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in how they start matches and control the midfield early on.
