Man Utd Player Ratings: Southampton Clash

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 17, 2025

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Man Utd Player Ratings: Southampton Clash

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Southampton at Old Trafford, but the performance left much to be desired. While the three points are crucial in the race for Champions League qualification, certain players shone brighter than others. Let's delve into individual player ratings from the match.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana (7/10): Onana was largely untroubled throughout the match, showcasing his composure and distribution skills. While not tested extensively, he commanded his area well and offered assurance to the backline when needed. A solid, if unspectacular, performance.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (6.5/10): Dalot provided a decent attacking outlet down the right flank, delivering some dangerous crosses. However, defensively he was occasionally caught out of position. He showed glimpses of his potential but needs more consistency.

Raphael Varane (7.5/10): Varane was a rock at the heart of United's defence. His experience shone through as he expertly dealt with Southampton's attacking threats, making vital interceptions and clearances. A dependable performance from the Frenchman.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Martinez was his usual combative self, winning aerial duels and making crucial tackles. He occasionally lost his composure, leading to a few rash challenges, but overall he played a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet.

Luke Shaw (6/10): Shaw's attacking contributions were minimal, and defensively he wasn't as dominant as Martinez and Varane. He completed his tasks, but a more impactful performance is expected from him.

Midfielders

Casemiro (8/10): Casemiro was once again the engine room of United's midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and providing a strong defensive shield. His presence ensured Southampton found it incredibly difficult to penetrate the United midfield. Man of the Match contender.

Christian Eriksen (7/10): Eriksen controlled the midfield with his trademark composure and passing accuracy. He was instrumental in linking the midfield and attack, creating opportunities for his teammates.

Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): While Fernandes's work rate was undeniable, his final ball was often lacking. He showed flashes of brilliance, but he needs to improve his decision-making in the final third to maximize his effectiveness.

Forwards

Antony (6/10): Antony's pace caused problems for Southampton's defense, but his final product needs improvement. He was often wasteful in possession and needs to be more clinical in front of goal.

Marcus Rashford (7/10): Rashford scored a crucial goal, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. He was a constant threat throughout the match and deservedly claimed a goal.

Alejandro Garnacho (6.5/10): Garnacho's youthful energy and direct running caused Southampton problems. He provided a spark off the bench and will continue to be an important asset to the team.

Substitutes

Scott McTominay (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.

Facundo Pellistri (N/A): Came on too late to warrant a rating.

Overall

The win against Southampton was vital for Manchester United, but the performance lacked the fluency and attacking prowess seen in previous matches. While the clean sheet is positive, several players need to improve their consistency to ensure United maintains their challenge for a top-four finish. Casemiro's commanding display stood out, while others need to step up their game in upcoming matches.