Manchester United vs Southampton: Match Review and Player Ratings

Manchester United vs Southampton: Match Review and Player Ratings

Manchester United moved to second in the Premier League table after overcoming Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s. The hosts took the lead just 15 minutes into the game when Pelle took advantage of some poor United defending. It was a similar story throughout the first half and hour of the game, Saint’s domination with Daley Blind struggling to keep control of the Italian forward.

However, United were fortunate to find themselves back into the game when Juan Mata set up 19-year-old Anthony Martial who slotted the ball home under big pressure – his second goal in two Premier League games for United.

The goal proved to be a huge turning point in the game, with Southampton seemingly changing their tactics and allowing Manchester United much more space on the offence. Slightly after half time, United took the lead and overturned the game in emphatic style – keeping possession of the ball with 44 passes before Juan Mata slotted home.


United doubled their lead midway through the second half courtesy of a Yoshida error. The Japan international made a lame pass-back towards ‘keeper Steklenburg which was pounced upon by Martial who scored his second of the game, again in very cool style.

The Saints managed to grab a consolation goal through Graziano Pelle, who headed home whilst half-heartedly unmarked.

David De Gea made some sumptuous saved during the game, all of which are almost indescribable. The Spaniard certainly saved United all 3 points in the game, meriting kind words from Louis van Gaal who simply said, ‘that’s why we kept him’.

Here’s how we rated the Manchester United players:

De Gea – 9/10

Darmian – 6/10

Smalling – 7/10

Blind – 6.5/10

Rojo – 6.5/10

Carrick – 7/10

Schneiderlin – 8/10

Mata – 7.5/10

Rooney – 6.5/10

Memphis – 6.5/10

Martial – 8/10