Man United ratings: De Ligt dominates at both ends
Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday as they beat Southampton 3-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium.
The visitors almost fell behind after a slow start when Diogo Dalot gave away a penalty following his challenge on 18-year-old Tyler Dibling, who was making his first Premier League start for Saints. However, after Cameron Archer had to wait almost a full minute after placing the ball on the spot before he was allowed to take the kick, a save from André Onana saw momentum swing back in United’s favour.
Erik ten Hag’s side got themselves in front moments later when Bruno Fernandes crossed toward Matthijs de Ligt and the defender headed past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Marcus Rashford then added a second for his first goal since March with an accurate strike from outside of the box.
Not much was created by way of chances from either team in the second half, though the game was effectively out of sight when Jack Stephens was sent off in the 80th minute. The Southampton captain saw red for a reckless challenge on substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who later wrapped up the game with a goal in stoppage time.
Positives
Manchester United gained control of the match after a sluggish start and never looked like dropping the three points once they got in front. A clean sheet will also provide confidence in games to come with positive display by the goalkeeper and both centre-backs.
Negatives
Better opposition could punish United if they start the game as slowly as they did at St. Mary’s, with the midfield not getting a grip of the game until after Onana’s penalty save gave them a wake-up call.
Manager rating (1-10)
Erik ten Hag, 7 — The coach was quick to adapt his midfield after the hosts were being given too much space, and that helped them get a grip of the game. Made strong substitutions that maintained his side’s dominance, with Casemiro involved for Garnacho’s goal.
Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK André Onana, 7 — The visitors could have been 2-0 down but for their keeper’s efforts in the first half, with a crucial penalty save proving to be the turning point.
DF Diogo Dalot, 5 — His careless challenge brought down Southampton’s Dibling inside the box for a penalty. Fared better in the second half as he forced the opposition winger out wide.
DF Matthijs de Ligt, 8 — The 25-year-old was beaten too easily by Kyle Walker-Peters early on but quickly settled into the game after that. He was often in the right place to clear the danger, and scored the opener with his first goal for the club. The perfect tonic after being substituted at half-time for Netherlands against Germany during the recent international break.
DF Lisandro Martínez, 7 — Anticipated play well with a number of interventions and was aggressive when challenging for possession. Replaced in the second half with some concern over a potential injury.
DF Noussair Mazraoui, 6 — Mazraoui often made the right decision going forwards and didn’t allow much to develop down his flank, in an overall solid display at right-back.
MF Kobbie Mainoo, 5 — A difficult game for the England midfielder saw him struggle to move the ball forwards, giving away possession on a number of occasions.
MF Christian Eriksen, 6 — A clever ball toward the six-yard box in the 15th minute created Manchester United’s first chance of the game, but Joshua Zirkzee couldn’t convert. Often made the right decision with passes that transitioned play intelligently.
MF Bruno Fernandes, 6 — The Manchester United captain was quiet in the first half but produced a moment of class with an accurate cross that found De Ligt for the opener.
FW Marcus Rashford, 7 — A well-placed finish from outside of the box ended a six-month goal drought for the 26-year-old. His first strike since March handing the Red Devils a 2-0 lead, and he looked more confident after scoring.
FW Amad Diallo, 6 — The 22-year-old tried to make things happen as a regular outlet during counter-attacks, but his final ball could have been better. Linked play well when cutting in on his left foot before finding teammates, and a constant question for defenders when attacking them directly.
FW Joshua Zirkzee, 6 — A couple of chances in the first half didn’t trouble the goalkeeper, but Zirkzee improved in the second half when leading the press, with consistent movement between the channels helping link play during counter-attacks.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Harry Maguire (Mazraoui, 73′), N/R — Introduced for Mazraoui and quickly booked for delaying the restart of play.
Alejandro Garnacho (Rashford, 73′), N/R — It took just five minutes for the Argentina international to make an impact on the game as he knocked the ball past Stephens, whose high challenge saw him sent off. Scored United’s third goal to cap off an impressive cameo.
Manuel Ugarte (Eriksen, 74′), N/R — A straightforward debut for the summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain as United kept possession of the ball without any threat from Southampton.
Jonny Evans (Martínez, 77′), N/R — Introduced for his 381st career Premier League game when coming on for Martínez, who was moving uncomfortably with a knock.
Casemiro (De Ligt, 87′), N/R — Deployed for the final minutes of the game at centre-back for De Ligt, and played an incisive pass that played a key part in Garnacho’s goal.
