MANCHESTER UNITED produced a stunning comeback to beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Red Devils fought back from 2-0 down at the break and clinched victory with a dramatic late Edinson Cavani winner.
Edinson Cavani proved to be the match-winner against SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men fell behind to goals from Jan Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse on the south coast.
However, their fortunes changed when Cavani was introduced at half-time.
He provided an assist and two goals, as his performance inspired Solskjaer’s side to an unlikely comeback.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jordan Davies rated United’s stars.
DAVID DE GEA – 3
Was not helped by his defenders for the opener, but was at fault once again in the Premier League after flapping at James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick.
Was taken off at half time after picking up a knock in the process and replaced by Dean Henderson, which could prove to be a turning point in his career.
David De Gea struggled to deal with James Ward-Prowse’s set piecesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5
Anonymous in both attack and defence and had little to no impact.
Struggled to deal with the pace of Southampton’s wide players in the first half but somewhat improved in the second with a good cross for Edinson Cavani.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Met his match in Che Adams, who caused him all sorts of problems with his back to goal in the early stages.
Was amongst the group of players who should have dealt with the near post corner that led to the opening goal.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Did very little wrong, and in the second half proved to be a better outlet in attack as United pushed to get back in the game.
But like his fellow defenders, struggled to deal with the pace and power the Saints’ front men possess.
ALEX TELLES – 6
Was pinned back by Southampton’s attack and struggled to have any real influence.
Gave away several silly free kicks and fouls that could have seen Southampton drift even further in front.
NEMANJA MATIC – 6
Was tasked with protecting the back four but the movement from the likes of Adams and Theo Walcott saw him stretched.
FRED – 5
Spent most of the game chasing, and copped a lot of criticism from Roy Keane in the Sky Sports studios once more, and rightly so.
Gave away the needless free-kick that handed Ward-Prowse the chance to make it 2-0.
Fred spent most of the game chasing shadows and was poorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
DONNY VAN DE BEEK – 7
After shining in a number 6 role in mid-week in the Champions League, his qualities and creative intelligence was lost as he was shifted out wide.
Was one of the few United players probing and being adventurous on the ball, and his influence was far greater in the second half more central.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
United’s go-to man once more with yet another goal and yet another assist contribution in the second half, teeing up Cavani.
Went close in the first half too after clipping the post with one effort and denied by a brilliant Alex McCarthy save with another.
MASON GREENWOOD – 4
His first start since early November and it was one to forget. Missed two glorious chances in the first half that would have changed the game.
Was then hauled off at half-time for Edinson Cavani, who ultimately proved to be more effective.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
An off day for the England striker. Looked isolated in the first half and lost his man Bednarek at the corner that saw Saints go ahead.
Had a brilliant chance to play in Cavani for a tap-in in the second half but opted to shoot and missed. Made up for it with an assist for the winner however.
SUBS
DEAN HENDERSON (FOR DE GEA 45) – 6
Had very little to do on his Prem debut but made a few solid saves early in the half.
Will be hoping this is the start of a prolonged period in goal for United as No.1.
EDINSON CAVANI (FOR GREENWOOD 45) – 10
The definition of super sub, and saved Man United’s bacon.
Super-sub Cavani was the match-winner for UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Gave United some purpose in attack and gave Rashford a much-needed partner to play off, before turning the game on its head by assisting Bruno for their first after the break.
His natural poaching instincts came into play to grab United’s deserved equaliser, and will have definitely earned himself a starting point after a similar effort for the winner.
BRANDON WILLIAMS (FOR ALEX TELLES 84) N/A
Man Utd set to offload four outcasts in January transfer window including Jones and Fosu-Mensah to lower wage bill
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
