Southampton vs Manchester United: Players rated in their 1-1 draw

Manchester United, who had a terrific season opener against Leeds United, drew against Southampton on matchday 2 as the Red Devils had to do away with one point.

Although United started the game on the front foot, Southampton grew into the game and scored the first goal, thanks to Che Adams, whose shot was deflected and nestled in the bottom corner. 

United continued to prod until halftime but to no avail. The Red Devils, however, did come back into the game 10 minutes into the second half as Mason Greenwood’s eyes lit up in the penalty box and the Englishman scored his 2nd goal of the season. 

The Manchester-based outfit tried their best to churn out the winner, however, they were not able to open up the Southampton defence again, courtesy of which the game ended in a draw. To that end, let us take a look at how the United players fared on the day. 

Manchester United Player Ratings

David de Gea: 7.5

Was unfortunate for the first goal as he had it covered but the deflection took it away. Came into action a couple of more times and made crucial saves, especially during the last 15 minutes when Adam Armstrong had a clear chance on goal. 

 Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6

The Englishman failed to venture ahead as much as he would have loved to, although showed some grit in the second half. Took relatively good care of Moussa Djenepo on the wing and stopped the winger’s threatening runs.

Harry Maguire: 4.5

Failed to close down the shot of Che Adams which resulted in the forward scoring a deflected goal Was largely untroubled in the second half but gave away one or two careless fouls.

Victor Lindelof: 5.5

Was ready to take on the forwards and blocked most shots but was wasteful in corners after squandering a couple of good chances to score. Failed to close Che Adams as well but commanded the defence well in the second half.

Luke Shaw: 7.5

The left-back marauded down constantly and was by far the more progressive of United’s full-backs. Tried to deliver precision point crosses but could not manage to find the right pass on occasions. Defended well and was calm in 1v1 challenges.

Nemanja Matic: 4.5

Too tame against the likes of James Ward Prowse and Oriel Romeu, while he also failed to rotate the ball from side to side effectively. Lacked the pace to cover up during counter-attacks.

Fred: 5

Was at fault for dangling a leg out during Che Adams’ shot, which resulted in a goal. Was not too effective going forward and squandered possession a lot of the time.

Paul Pogba: 8

Looked like United’s best hope of creating a goal and eventually did set up the equalizer. Incredible for 75 minutes but had a couple of wayward passes towards the end while also committed roughly into a challenge, resulting in a yellow card for the Frenchman.

Bruno Fernandes: 6

Fuming with Southampton’s first goal of the game as he was not awarded a foul, which resulted in a yellow card. Played his part in the equalizer but failed to conjure something meaningful in the final third in the last 15 minutes. 

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Mason Greenwood: 7.5

Looked like United’s best chance of scoring a goal and the Englishman was in the right position to hit a scrappy shot that went between the legs of Alex McCarthy. Was dangerous on the right-wing, but failed to make the best of the rest of his chances.

Anthony Martial: 4

Looked off the paces and like somebody who came back from an injury. Tried to press from the front and retain possession but lacked the zest going forward and was deservedly substituted at the hour mark.