Player ratings: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United (Premier League)

Erik ten Hag opted for an unchanged team from the impressive performance against Liverpool on Monday night. Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire remained on the bench whilst Casemiro was included in his first squad as a Manchester United player.

United recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since February with a 1-0 victory away to Southampton thanks to a second half strike from Bruno Fernandes.

Here is how UtdDistrict rated the Reds’ performance against Southampton:

David de Gea - 7/10

His reluctance to come for crosses created a couple of dangerous situations for United’s defence. Dealt with anything else that came his way with relative ease. Fantastic save to deny Aribo with 25 minutes to go from point-blank range.

Diogo Dalot - 8.5/10

United’s Man of the Match. Great cross in the first-half that led to a series of chances for Bruno, Elanga and Eriksen which somehow stayed out. Good progressive passes into the midfield which is becoming a common theme in his overall game. United’s best attacking outlet and provided the cross for Bruno’s goal. Booked for blocking off Djenepo after a heavy touch.

Raphaël Varane - 8/10

Man mountain at the back and a contender for Man of the Match. Marshalled the back four well throughout the game and he’s emerging as the leader that United have lacked in recent years from defence. Erik ten Hag will be praying that he can stay fit. 

Lisandro Martínez - 8/10

Once again he was the target of long aerial balls which he dealt with time and time again. Southampton seemed to change their approach when they didn’t get any joy. His attitude and tenacity is a breath of fresh air. Aside from letting Adams ghost behind him for a half-chance in the first half, it was another flawless performance from ‘The Butcher’.

Tyrell Malacia - 7/10

Even when he gets beat he often recovers. Much like Martinez, his urge to engage early helps United win the ball back. Gave a loose ball away after some good defending early in the first-half which wasn’t punished thanks to a recovery challenge from Varane.

Scott McTominay - 6.5/10

Did well helping his defence, particularly from crosses and long throws. It was an all-action performance from McTominay and whilst it’s clear he lacks the quality to be a consistent starter, he deserves credit for his display today. 

Christian Eriksen - 6/10

Fizzed a nice ball across the face of goal in the first half that should have had either Elanga or Rashford on the end of it. It was a steady performance aside from a couple of loose balls but much of the game passed him by. Subbed off for Fred in stoppage time.

Jadon Sancho - 6/10

Looked more at home on the left when he had the ball. Early positive signs of a potential partnership forming with Malacia. He was involved in the goal, releasing Dalot down the right who could fire the ball across to Bruno. Seems to fade in and out of games and today wasn’t his best display in a United shirt despite having good moments. Was subbed off for Ronaldo with just over 20 minutes left.

Bruno Fernandes - 6/10

Wasteful in possession and spurned a couple of good openings when United were on the counter by delaying or choosing the wrong option in the first half. Treated the ball like it was a bomb about to go off for much of the game. Fantastic finish to give United the lead and he made it look a lot easier than it was which increases his rating. Poor display but scored the goal when United needed it, a performance that epitomises his United career. 

Anthony Elanga - 5/10

A willing runner but not much else. Livelier in the second half and was unfortunate not to get a shot off after good link up play with his fellow forwards. A nice ball to play McTominay through early in the second half was the highlight of his game. Subbed off with ten minutes remaining to give Casemiro his debut.

Marcus Rashford - 4/10

Cut an isolated figure up front. Didn’t offer much other than runs in behind and chances to do that were limited. The only time he actually got behind Southampton’s back line was when he got on the end of his own pass which was meant for an offside Sancho. Had this performance been from a certain no.7, he’d no doubt be lambasted and blamed for a lack of pressing and effort.

Substitutes

Cristiano Ronaldo - 6/10

Came on to a chorus of ‘Viva Ronaldo’ being sung from the away end. This could be his last appearance in a Manchester United shirt but he didn’t have too much time to influence the game. Ironically pressed well when required. Great flick on for Eriksen which led to a half-chance for Ronaldo himself to get through on goal which he’d have no doubt latched onto and buried a few years ago. Won his aerial duels well which helped United gain ground, especially in the latter stages.

Casemiro - 6/10

In the ten minutes he had, he showed supporters what they can expect. An energised display with a couple of challenges and blocks helped his team close the game out.

Fred - N/A

Came on in stoppage time. Did well to help United defensively and picked up a booking for his troubles.