Manchester United returned to winning ways after the international break overcoming the early momentum from Southampton to take all three points down on the south coast. We won thanks to goals from Matthijs De Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho This was a much-needed win for Ten Hag and the team after suffering a 3-0 defeat to our bitter rivals Liverpool two weeks ago. Hopefully, it will go a long way to galvanising the rest of our season.
United survives early onslaught
The lineup saw Christian Eriksen replace Casemiro in the midfield, with the Brazilian not producing his best work last time out. Amad kept his place on the right, whilst Garnacho and new signing Manuel Ugarte had to settle for a spot on the bench. The Reds decided to sit in much deeper position compared with the higher line they employed against Brighton, letting the Saints have more possession probably to their surprise.
It was Southampton that enjoyed the best of the opening spell of the match. Tyler Dibling making his first start proving a constant threat for our defence. He tested Andre Onana with a great effort on goal that was parried away. Dibling subsequently earned the penalty after getting the ball past Diogo Dalot before being clipped inside the box.
You wouldn’t have denied them the lead given their constant pressing and positions of attacks. Cameron Archer stepped up to take the spot kick but the save from Onana kept the ball out of the net. This spurred United into life and were to dominate the rest of the game with Joshua Zirkzee testing Aaron Ramsdale from distance thereafter.
Matthijs De Light got the Reds in front in the 35th minute with a smart header inside the box after a cross from Bruno Fernandes. The Dutch international had been left unmarked to score his first goal for the club.
Six minutes later, Marcus Rashford scored to double United’s lead curling his effort from around the edge of the box and Southampton’s defender into the corner of the goal. It ended a run of nine games without a goal. The Reds dictated those last ten minutes of the first half putting behind the slow start the team made.
A comfortable second half for the Reds
The second half saw United in control and should have added more goals with Joshua Zirkzee having a few efforts saved from getting in great positions to score. Amad and Bruno Fernandes were linking up well to build our attacks. Marcus Rashford nearly scored a screamer of a goal but was denied by Ramsdale before being subbed in the 73rd minute.
Southampton had tried to fight their way back in with Ten Hag making changes by bringing on Garnacho and Ugarte. There were concerns among our defence as Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and De Ligt all came off with hopefully what were minor knocks. Harry Maguire appeared to be suffering a hamstring issue as he saw out the game.
United were to have a man advantage when in the 79th minute Jack Stephens was shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine avoided a serious injury and would seal the victory when he smashed the ball into the net from Dalot’s cut back in injury time. Three points on the road and back in the win column for Ten Hag’s side.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Andre Onana – 8. Saved Cameron Archer’s penalty proving the turning point in the game as that was the last shot he had to save.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5. Tested in the first half by Tyler Dbling and had to thank Onana after giving away the penalty. Provided the assist for Garnacho’s goal.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8.5 & MOTOM. A commanding performance from the Dutch international and gave United the lead with his smart header.
Lisandro Martinez – 8. A calm performance by the Argentine who ensured we had possession of the ball providing those line-splitting passes for our attacks.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7. Not tested much as Southampton focused their efforts on the opposite flank of our defence. Look good in possession and rarely gave the ball away.
Christian Eriksen – 7. Grew into the game after United’s poor start and helped control the game in the second half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5. Was a difficult first half for him but was better in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes – 7. Set up the cross for De Ligt to open the scoring and influential in building our attacks.
Amad Diallo – 7. Our most attacking threat as his passing and dribbling proved a threat for Southampton.
Marcus Rashford – 7. Scored our second goal with an excellent and looked lively throughout.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7. Had a couple of chances to get himself on the scoresheet, and probably should have a goal or two.
Subs:
Alejandro Garnacho – 7. Avoided serious injury from Jack Stephens’s tackle but went onto score to seal the win.
Manuel Ugarte – 6. Came on for the last 15 minutes intercepting the ball and moving it quickly.
Harry Maguire – 6. Did the job he needed to do.
Jonny Evans – 6. A comfortable cameo for him.
Casemiro – n/a.
Looking ahead
Next up for United is the League Cup tie against Barnsley on Tuesday night at Old Trafford. It’s good to be back in the win column. However, there is no time to rest on our laurels as our next four fixtures over the next two weeks could play a crucial role in shaping how our season will go.