So with the first home to play for in the new season, Manchester United boss made just one change in the starting line-up that faced Bournemouth. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini was shifted to a much deeper role, while Ander Herrera was left out on the bench and his place was taken by non-other than Paul Pogba. The defensive line was stayed intact, while in the attacking trio, many expected to see Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the manager decided to drop the Armenian as well, hence, the same trio was deployed.
Southampton, who have picked up more points at the Old Trafford than any other club in the past four seasons, welcomed their skipper Jose Fonte in the starting line-up. They started the game really well and were troubling the home side in numbers, but that fine cutting edge was missing somewhere.
The game, surprisingly, ended with a ball possession of 47 to 53 in favour of the Saints, but the visitors never really troubled United’s post. So, here is how Manchester United’s players faired in the game:
Manchester United Player Report Card (match ratings) vs Southampton
David De Gea: 6/10
He was never really tested in the game, even once.
Antonio Valencia: 6.5/10
The Ecuadorian was a threat for the Saints on the right flank. He combined really well with Juan Mata at times and defended the lines with great ease. He lost his concentration during the initial stages of the second half as he left spaces at the back, but otherwise, his game was full of pace.
Eric Bailly: 7.5/10
The former Villarreal man never panicked and was very consistent through out the game. Gave Shane long a run for his money, as he matched his pace with a great ease. He read the game so well throughout the 90 minutes and that was the core of his wonderful display. His tackles were well timed and his desire to play for the club was worth mentioning.
Daley Blind: 6/10
A calm outing for the Dutchman at the Old Trafford. Nothing much to talk about.
Luke Shaw: 6.5/10
The former Southampton man looked loose this time around. Though he was making some powerful and threatening forward runs, his defensive abilities were questioned just because he was losing his marker most of the time in the first half. He started the second half strongly and won the penalty for the team.
Marouane Fellaini: 6.5/10
The Belgian international was a surprise starter for the spectators, but his presence helped United one way or the other. Sat back to guard the back four of the team and was up to the mark in the entire game. Looked tired during the finishing course of the game, but decent game anyway.
Paul Pogba: 8.5/10 MOTM
His first touch almost costs United a goal, but eventually gained the momentum. Worked fine in the midfield and combined well with Ibrahimovic. Took the first shot at goal, but was directly at the keeper. He was working industriously all over the field and even tracked back to cover the spots. he never looked tired and was physically strong as well. Ended his first half with most touches (61) and was unarguably the best player on the pitch. Jose Mourinho, before the game, stated that Pogba might not play the full 90-minutes, but the Frenchman never looked tired and got the better of the Southampton players at times. Zlatan may have covered the headlines, but this 23-year-old gave a mesmerising display at the Old Trafford.
Juan Mata: 7/10
Another confident performance from the Spaniard. He was combining really well with his teammates and that blind header from the Spaniard into the danger area almost racked up the goal in the first half. Was substituted in the 75th minute and Mkhitaryan came on to replace him.
Wayne Rooney: 6.5/10
It was his 600th career club game (overall), but unfortunately, the skipper had a poor start to the game. His passes weren’t sticking and was also lose in holding the ball. He, though, made a clever run up of the right flank and managed to deliver the ball into the danger area, which Ibrahimovic capitalized with great ease.
Anthony Martial: 6.5/10
The new number 11 looked nervous initially but worked really well later on. His high-intensity pressing troubled the Saints, but an end product was missing. Had a couple of chances to increase the lead, but failed to capitalize the moment. Eventually, he was replaced by Ander Herrera in 82th minute.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 8/10
Another game; another goal for the Big Swede. The 34-year-old never looked like, and was working like a 24-year-old. He was dedicated and was fighting for the ball all over the field. His clever movement and a powerful header gave United the lead nine minutes before the half time. And just six minutes into the second half, he scored from the spot to give his side the comfort. The fans were dying to see him score a hattrick on his home debut, but that unfortunately didn’t happen
Now, the Big Swede has scored 30 goals in his last 20 homes games (including PSG).
Subs:
Mkhitaryan: 6.5/10
The former Borussia Dortmund man didn’t have much time to showcase himself, but during the course, he was a threat for the Saints.
Ander Herrera: N/A
Came on to replace Martial in 82nd minute
Chris Smalling: N/A
Came on to replace Wayne Rooney in 88th minute
