Southampton 0-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings From Casemiro’s Debut
Manchester United beat Southampton to collect all three away points for the first time since February.
Bruno Fernandes’ well placed finish in the second-half was enough for the Red Devils, as their defence stood strong against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men and recorded their first clean sheet away from home in the Premier League in 2022.
Here’s how each United player rated on the south coast.
David de Gea – 6.0
Easy target for Southampton during corners. But made a solid save in the second-half to ensure his long-awaited clean sheet.
Diogo Dalot – 8.0
Was a dominant figure in all phases of the game, and assisted the only goal of the afternoon.
Raphael Varane – 8.0
Another very assured defensive display from the Frenchman. Did well to regularly find Dalot to progress United’s play.
Lisandro Martinez – 8.0
Yet another Man of the Match performance from the Argentine centre-back. Won all the aerial duels he contested.
Tyrell Malacia – 7.0
Once again provided energy and tenacity on the left flank. Deserves to keep his place ahead of Luke Shaw.
Scott McTominay – 6.5
Lacked ideas in possession when United struggled to create chances in the first-half. But was very good defensively after the break.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
United’s only composed midfielder in possession early in the game. His involvement reduced as the match progressed. Needs a rest.
Bruno Fernandes – 7.0
Careless on the ball, but showed his quality by volleying Dalot’s cross into the bottom-left corner.
Jadon Sancho – 5.0
Was moved to the left-hand side, but ineffective against Kyle Walker-Peters.
Marcus Rashford – 6.0
Unlike the Liverpool game, didn’t find much space in the middle and was continuously forced wide. United missed a striker capable of effectively dropping into midfield.
Anthony Elanga – 5.0
Subpar performance from the winger. However, created a fine goal-scoring opportunity after a lovely one-two with Fernandes but failed to get the better off Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Substitutes
Cristiano Ronaldo – 5.0
Benched for the second game in a row, and akin to the Liverpool encounter, didn’t do much after his introduction.
Casemiro – 6.5
Entered the fray in the 80th minute to maintain United’s lead on his debut. Calmly cleared things after McTominay lost possession close to United’s defensive third.
Fred – N/A
The Opposition’s Best Player
Romeo Lavia – 8/10
Impressive ball-retention and won most of his duels. The talented defensive midfielder was also Southampton’s best outlet to progress the ball from deep.