Manchester United took first steps towards rebuilding their league campaign with a 3-0 win vs Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
Manchester United fans could be forgiven for a feeling of deja vu as Southampton dominated early proceedings and earned a penalty in the first half for their persistent efforts.
Andre Onana’s heroic save gave the squad a second wind and they took full advantage, ruthlessly scoring twice before the end of the first half to reach a comfortable position.
The second half became much more comfortable for United as players gained confidence after a bruising few weeks.
Manuel Ugarte got his club debut as the team saw through a tricky fixture with minimal fuss courtesy of two first-half goals and Southampton being reduced to ten men.
Garnacho added the icing to the cake with a well-taken third in the last minute of the game.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 8
His penalty save might go down at the end of the season as the moment that turned it all around. Continued his ever-improving form and is finally paying back the investment on him.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Tyler Dibling had him on skates, especially in the first half. Conceded the penalty to cap off a miserable display but came back in the second half to assist Garnacho’s goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7.5
Oh how he needed that! After a forgettable international break, all eyes were on him and he responded the way elite players do, with a statement performance and a debut goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Improved along with the team as he grew into the game. Raking passes were back, so were his intelligent dribbles. Aggressive front-foot defending ended a good day at the office.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Had a couple of giveaways when Southampton were in the ascendancy but was still so influential to United’s buildup. His calmness in possession is a big asset.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Bought a sense of quality to set-pieces, long a pain point at United. He might not be a regular option now but he has a role to play in the squad.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
He’s a marked man now as the opposition presses him with ruthless intensity. How he deals with this will reflect the next stage of his development.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Southampton gave him plenty of space to pick out De Ligt for the opener and he did it with aplomb. Team looks better when he’s on it.
Amad – 9
Didn’t score but far and away United’s best player on the pitch. His sense of ball control and attacking spaces is second to none and a breath of fresh air in a generally helter-skelter United. Credited with an assist for Rashford’s goal. He’s an untouchable in this squad now.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Desperately needed that goal and got it with a smart shot from the edge of the box. United need the 30-goal version of Rashford to succeed and they’ll hope the ketchup bottle flows now.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Generally peripheral to the proceedings in the first half and missed two good chances to make it more comfortable. Came to life in the second and was at his best linking up play and dropping deep.
Substitutes
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Ideal circumstances for him to debut as he didn’t need to be the saviour, just a part of a well-drilled team against obliging opposition. Won the ball back well, passed it easily. Serene.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
His pace and threat on the counter were an ideal foil for the match situation. Got Stephens red-carded after he sped past him and scored with the last kick of the game.
Harry Maguire – 5
Got carded for playing the ball after the whistle blew soon after coming in.
Jonny Evans – 6
Fairly comfortable outing at left-back as Southampton were down to 10 men soon after he came on.
Casemiro – 6
Came on late to play as a centre-back after De Ligt complained about a cramp in his hamstring.
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