Manchester United continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League as they saw off Southampton’s stiff challenge with a narrow 1-0 win. Though the performance was unconvincing from the Red Devils, they fought their way through to nick three points off their opponents.
We have rated the Manchester United players.
GK: David de Gea- 7/10
The Spaniard has grown in stature and quality over the years. Currently, nothing seems to be bothering him as he managed to maintain his composure in the most difficult of times.
RB: Antonio Valencia- 5.5/10
Valencia compromised on his attacking aspect of the game to sit back and defend most of Southampton’s attacks. He made some last-ditch tackles but lacked the usual urge and edge, which gives United an added advantage.
CB: Eric Bailly- 7/10
Shane Long made life difficult for Eric Bailly as the young defender hardly got any respite from his defensive duties. But he held on to keep another clean sheet.
CB: Phil Jones- 9/10
Jones has improved greatly under Mourinho. He led United’s defence with aplomb throughout and thwarted anything that came his way. He won almost all of his aerial duels and was crucial during the dying minutes of the game when the Saints were attacking relentlessly.
LB: Ashley Young- 6/10
We saw two completely different aspects of Ashley Young’s game today. Offensively, he was perfect. His cross to Romelu Lukaku for the first goal was perfectly taken which highlighted his importance in the team. However, his defensive duties remain a matter of concern.
CDM: Nemanja Matic- 7/10
Matic underlined his importance to the team with his impressive work-rate throughout the game. In a game in which Mario Lemina wrecked havoc on United’s midfield with constant runs, Matic made it a point to regularly block or clear any shots coming his way.
CDM: Marouane Fellaini- 7/10
Fellaini started the game ahead of Herrera. He added steel to the midfield and dutifully performed his assigned duty. His physicality provided to be an advantage while defending in the latter stages of the match.
LW: Marcus Rashford- 6/10
Rashford had a relatively quiet second half as compared to the first one. In the first half, he made many inroads from the left wing and tried to put in some good crosses into the box. And how can we forget the Ronaldo-esque free kick that Rashford tried? Just a couple of inches to the right, and we might have seen one of the best goals of the season.
CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan- 7/10
Mkhitaryan played in his favoured central position and tried to influence the game with his link-up play with Lukaku. He made some neat passes and through balls into the box but nothing much came out of them.
RW: Juan Mata- 5.5/10
Mata did not look his usual self as he lacked the pace to channel his creativity in the final third. He played in a deeper role throughout and went off the pitch in favour of Ander Herrera. The sharpness that we see in his game was missing.
ST: Romelu Lukaku- 8/10
Romelu Lukaku made the best out of the sole clear-cut opportunity he got to secure three points for his team.
Substitutes:
Ander Herrera- 6/10
Stuck to his duties well and did not try anything fancy. He had a great opportunity to double the lead in the 77th minute but shot the ball well over the post.
Chris Smalling- 6/10
Smalling came on the pitch to add aerial prowess as well as rigidity to the defence.
Daley Blind- N.A