Man Utd Player Ratings Against Southampton

Manchester United rediscovered their winning form with a dominant 3-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. Goals from summer signing Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and a late strike from substitute Alejandro Garnacho sealed the crucial win for Erik ten Hag’s side.

The Red Devils, still reeling from their dismal performance against Liverpool, produced a much-improved display against the struggling Saints. The win marks a welcome return to form for United, who move up the Premier League table.

Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, scoring his first Manchester United goal. The summer signing from Bayern Munich headed home a pinpoint Bruno Fernandes cross, giving United a deserved lead.

Marcus Rashford doubled United’s advantage just before halftime, capitalizing on a moment of hesitation in the Southampton defence. The England forward’s clinical finish gave the Saints’ goalkeeper no chance, sending United into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Alejandro Garnacho, introduced as a late substitute, put the icing on the cake with a stunning strike in the 88th minute. The Argentine youngster’s pace and skill proved too much for the Southampton defense, as he slotted past the goalkeeper with ease.

Southampton, still searching for their first Premier League point, struggled to create meaningful chances against a solid United defense. Russell Martin’s side remains rooted to the foot of the table, with significant work to be done to turn their season around.

Manchester United player ratings against Southampton

Here’s how the Man United players were rated after the game:

Andre Onana (GK) – 8.5/10 – A penalty save to make and that changed the course of the game. A great outing between the sticks.

Diogo Dalot (LB) – 6/10 – Was sloppy at the start and gave away a penalty in the first half but made up for it with an assist to Garnacho.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 8.5/10 – Scored his first United goal, dominant in defense

Lisandro Martinez (CB) – 7.5/10 – Calculated performance, marshaled the defence.

Noussair Mazraoui (RB) – 7/10 – Disciplined performance, anchored the right-back spot.

CM: Christian Eriksen – 6.5/10 – Struggled to get a hold of the game early on, but Eriksen settled and he helped United control the contest in the second half.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10 – A rough start to the game but gained more confidence as the game went on. A fairly decent performance.

RM: Amad Diallo – 7.5/10 – United’s most dangerous outlet throughout, although he is overly reliant on his much-preferred right foot. Needs to add a little variance in one-on-one situations.

AM: Bruno Fernandes – 7/10 – It was Fernandes’ lovely cross which set up the opener, and, as usual, the relentless playmaker was hugely influential, especially when United attempted to counter on the hosts.

LM: Marcus Rashford – 7/10 – Rashford needed an outing like this after a tough start to the new season. The winger wasn’t particularly dominant, but he was a persistent in-behind threat and he netted his first goal of the 2024/25 campaign with a fine finish.

ST: Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10 – Good link-up play to bring midfield and attack into play and great all-round performance but lacked that cutting edge in front of goal.

Substitutes

SUB: Alejandro Garnacho (73′ for Rashford) – 7/10

SUB: Manuel Ugarte (74′ for Eriksen) – 6/10

SUB: Harry Maguire (74′ for Mazraoui) – 6/10

SUB: Jonny Evans (77′ for Martinez) – 6/10

SUB: Casemiro (87′ for De Ligt) – N/A

Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Antony, Ethan Wheatley, Toby Collyer