EPL 2017/18: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United, player ratings

Modified Sep 23, 2017 19:25 GMT

Manchester United

David De Gea - 7.5/10

After a completely untroubled first half for the Spain's no. 1 goalkeeper, he maintained his cool for a second-half Southampton onslaught. Courtesy of a string of fine saves and a resolute defence, he finished the match with a clean sheet.

Antonio Valencia - 6/10

The United captain had a poor start to the game by his standards, losing out on crucial duels. Even though he improved in spurts, it was generally a very average game for the veteran, who was troubled by Redmond and even got booked for a silly challenge.

Eric Bailly - 8/10

Bailly played a huge role with his commanding presence in the United box, making his trademark athletic clearances. His physicality and usual attitude ensured a clean sheet for his side.

Phil Jones - 8.5/10

The resurgent Englishman was an anchor in defence today. His commitment to cancelling out all Saints attack was worthy of a man of the match award.

Ashley Young - 7/10

Young put in another strong appearance at left-back today with his tough tackling and high-flying clearances from the get-go. In terms of attack, he provided a lovely cross for Lukaku to score the only goal of the game. Despite that, he lost in composure in parts and picked up a first-half yellow card.

Nemanja Matic - 7.5/10

Playing a bit more forward than usual today, Matic made some well-timed runs and his tackles were precise. As United were overwhelmed in the second half, his interceptions kept his team in the lead.

Marouane Fellaini - 8/10

Even though Fellaini couldn't thrive much in the attacking department, he made some vital interceptions and drew fouls from the opposition players. However, his in-box contributions to the defence were a positive, with the Belgium even making a goal-line clearance with his head. In the absence of Pogba, he continues to make a good name for himself.

Juan Mata - 6.5/10

Mata had a relatively quiet game overall. Even though his movement around the pitch was worrisome for the opposition defenders, he barely provided any creative threat today. He was subbed off early on in the second half for defence reinforcement.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7/10

Though Mkhitaryan was very loose in possession, he created two good chances early on and was one of the best creative outlets for the visitors. As the Southampton attack went in search for the equaliser, he was involved in two more moves to finish off the game but couldn't do so. He was subbed off with 15 minutes to go for extra defensive cover.

Marcus Rashford - 7/10

The pacy youngster had a quieter game by his standards due to the home side's pressing. In spite of that, his nearly scored from a freekick. He contributed everywhere on the pitch, providing solid defensive cover on the left side as Southampton attacked. Much more was expected of the Englishman.

Romelu Lukaku - 7.5/10

Lukaku scored the only goal of the game by instinctively tucking away the rebound from his first shot. His movement was a nightmare for the defenders and he was always active with his pressing, getting in some good positions. The Belgium also had a massive chance to seal the game but couldn't capitalise on it, further getting booked for a silly foul, later on in the game.

Substitutes

Ander Herrera - 6.5/10

Herrera was brought on to curb a resurgent Southampton attack but barely pressurised them as they continued to create good chances. He could've put the game to bed and scuffed his shot. In spite of all that, he continued to work hard throughout, helping his side grind out a win.

Chris Smalling - 6/10

Smalling barely had any effect on the game apart from his decent positioning in the defence.

Daley Blind - N/A

Came on too late to have an impact.

Edited by Amit Mishra