Manchester United continued their fine start to the Premier League campaign as they secured a 1-0 win over Southampton on the South Coast. The Red Devils were clearly dominant in the first period with Romelu Lukaku bagging a 20th-minute goal. However, the second half was a tough one to watch for the United fans as the club hung onto their slender lead amid the constant pressure from the Saints attack.
Here are our United player ratings for the game….
David de Gea: United’s first-choice goalkeeper had a fairly easy game with the defence playing its game. The Spaniard dealt with the shots presented at time with relative ease – 6.5/10
Antonio Valencia: The skipper did not have the best of times with Nathan Redmond putting constant pressure on him, but was fluent while pushing forward – 6.5/10
Eric Bailly: The Ivorian was tasked with keeping Shane Long at bay. Made a couple of important clearances during the game, and held himself during an awkward period in the second-half – 7/10
Phil Jones: Likewise Bailly, Jones was up for the tough job in the latter part of the game as United scrambled over the line. The man of the match without doubt – 7.5/10
Ashley Young: Didn’t do much other than his supposed assist for Lukaku’s opener. Struggled on the left side of the backline, and Mourinho could think of changing the personnel in the next game – 6/10
Nemanja Matic: Solid as usual at the heart of the midfield. Could have offered more control in the second half, but overall looked comfortable with a couple of key passes – 7/10
Marouane Fellaini: The Belgian could not stand in the way of Mario Lemina, who proved a menace for Southampton. He nevertheless battled hard with a few interceptions – 6.5/10
Juan Mata: Tried to get his passing game going early on, but could not establish his authority in the second half. Was replaced by Ander Herrera on the hour mark – 6/10
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: The Armenian looked threatening while pushing forward, and could have got himself another assist, had Lukaku converted a late effort – 7/10
Marcus Rashford: Looked lively in the attack front as he pushed with intent. Came close by a free-kick attempt, but other than that, he was kept outside of the Saints box – 6.5/10
Romelu Lukaku: Another goal for the flying Belgian. Took his effort after overpowering both Wesley Hoedt and Fraser Forster. The striker has now notched eight goals in as many games for United – 7.5/10
Image – Getty