MANCHESTER UNITED clinched a second win in a row as Bruno Fernandes’ second half strike handed them a 1-0 win over Southampton.
Erik ten Hag’s side were looking to build on their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Monday night.
And they did so thanks to Fernandes’ goal which saw them edge past Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of United’s players on the south coast.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
DAVID DE GEA – 7/10
Had basically nothing to do in the first half aside from a routine stop from Che Adams which was fired straight down his throat.
Made a crucial point-blank stop to deny an Joe Aribo equaliser midway through the second half.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Wasn’t tasked with too much defending as Saints focused all of their efforts down United’s left.
Cynically scythed down Moussa Djenepo after the break and received a booking for the professional foul.
Then provided Bruno Fernandes with a lovely cross to put United in front.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 8
Both in and out of possession he was United’s standout defender.
Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez looked somewhat shaky either side of him – for the first hour in particular.
But he navigated them through the game with a commanding aerial presence, smart decisions on the ball, and a reading of the game which you would expect from a four-time Champions League winner.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 5
Was bailed out a number of times by Varane when crosses came into the box – with Adams narrowly failing to punish.
The Southampton striker sat on Martinez’s shoulder all game – a tactic you imagine every Premier League forward will adopt from now on. It works.
TYRELL MALACIA – 6
Looked very fired up in the early stages and erratic in possession. He almost handed Saints a golden chance by giving the ball away inside his own penalty area.
But does have a lot of bite to his game. Produced a few hard, fair challenges which will endear him to the United faithful.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 4
Games are drifting by McTominay at the moment.
The oceans of space he leaves in between the lines – particularly when Christian Eriksen and Fernandes push on – are rather unforgivable.
He tested Gavin Bazunu with a half-decent attempt in the second half, but expect Casemiro’s arrival to coincide with the Scot dropping to the bench.
Was booked inside the final 10 minutes for manhandling Aribo.
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7
Should have broken the deadlock but for a superb block from Bella-Kotchap.
But, despite playing in a deeper role, he looked to be the one most likely to make something happen for Man Utd.
Played a couple of accurate long balls up to the front three and also whipped a delicious low cross in for Fernandes which narrowly evaded the Portuguese attacker.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Fernandes continued to cut a frustrated figure – before he then popped up with the winning goal.
Still guilty of shooting from absolutely anywhere rather than looking for a more intelligent option. Also had a gilt-edged chance but couldn’t make clean contact with the header.
Struggled against James Ward-Prowse but ultimately ended up producing the finish which settled the match.
ANTHONY ELANGA – 5
Djenepo dealt with Elanga with ease in the first 45 as he barely had a kick.
Came to life shortly after half-time when he exchanged a one-two with Fernandes before a last-ditch challenge denied him what surely would have been a brilliant goal.
But that was his only major moment in the match.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Rashford looked particularly threatening against Liverpool – a side which gave him half the pitch to run into, such is their high line.
Southampton were by no means dropping into a lower block, but they sat 10 or 15 yards deeper and that appeared to completely nullify his threat.
JADON SANCHO – 5
Sancho is United’s best player when it comes to beating a man with his footwork and trickery. He showed that a couple of times in the first half with wonderful runs down the left flank.
But his end product still leaves a lot to be desired – the Liverpool goal aside.
Was very quiet before being replace by Cristiano Ronaldo.
SUBSTITUTES
CRISTIANO RONALDO (FOR SANCHO, 68) – 6
Gave United more of a focal point but had very little in the way of clear-cut chances.
CASEMIRO (FOR ELANGA, 80) – 6
United fans got their first taste of the five-time Champions League winner. Was instantly orchestrating their shape in the midfield as Southampton piled the pressure on towards the end.
FRED (FOR ERIKSEN, 90+2) – N/A
Barely had a kick before the final whistle. Still managed to get a yellow card.
Subs not used: Maguire, Heaton, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Van de Beek, Garnacho.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
