After gloomy seasons at Old Trafford ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, last night was truly a treat to behold. Manchester United played like the team they used to be, and played with this sense of determination which showed that they were all in it to win it. They easily won 2-0 against Southampton, and finally won against the Saints at Old Trafford, which last happened only in January 2013.
United did concede a few chances in the first half. The Saints put up a good fight until Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal a little before half time. That also showcased the fact that Wayne Rooney and Zlatan could actually build up a strong partnership to last.
The Red Devils had the upper hand in the game in the second half. However, Jordy Clasie’s challenge on Luke Shaw conceded a penalty in the 51st minute. Zlatan impressed on that front too, as he stepped up and sent Saints’ goalkeeper Forster in the wrong way, while he got another point for Manchester United.
Paul Pogba finally debuted for Manchester United, but was his performance good enough?
Read on, to know about the player ratings!
David de Gea
His skills weren’t put to test much as United’s defenders ensured he rarely needed to. After all his heroics last season, De Gea could be more relaxed this season as the United defenders are working well so far. Rating – 7.5/10
Antonio Valencia
Valencia’s performance keeps improving as he was brilliant and stood up to the plate as Martial struggled a bit to get involved in the attacks on the left. Rating – 8/10
Eric Bailly
Mourinho does know his players well, and Bailly yet again made him proud with another solid performance. As far as any competition between him and Chris Smalling goes, it is highly unlikely for Smalling to replace him now, because his pace in the back four is proving to be an asset. Rating – 8.5/10
Daley Blind
He did not get as involved as Bailly did when it comes to defending. However, he is still improving his game one day at a time and he has formed a good partnership with the other defenders. Rating – 7/10
Luke Shaw
Shaw has the potential to be one of the best full-backs, and his is continuing with his good form. He seemed more dangerous than Anthony Martial, and he even won the penalty. Rating – 8/10
Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini was less dominating when compared to his performance against Bournemouth, because he had to give space for Pogba in the field, and he did so. However, Fellaini’s form is excellent at this point and he was very impressive anyway. Rating – 7/10
Played fast, effective football, and soon showed that there was a reason why United was ready to pay a world record fee for him. He brought in a lot more dynamism to the attack and looked like he was at home. Rating – 7.5/10
He seemed faster than normal, maybe a result of the increased competition in the Manchester United camp. He was decent enough, but he did not do much on the attacking front. Rating – 6/10
Rooney played a lot more tactfully and put up a measured display. Provided support for Ibrahimovic, and that looked like a partnership that should be developed further. Rating – 7/10
Anthony Martial
Martial was struggling majorly and got reprimanded from Mourinho for it, and rightfully so. He looked weak in the first half and gave away a lot of chances in the second half. Rating – 5/10
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic played like a dream and he is on his way to becoming the darling of Old Trafford pretty soon. His first header and penalty in the second half, just exuded class. He looked formidable and also a partnership with Rooney seemed like it might happen. Rating – 9/10
Subs
Henrikh Mkhitaryan He had a few nice touches on the ball and was crafty in the midfield. Rating – 6.5/10
Ander Herrera He did not have much time to impress as he came on only towards the end. Rating – 6/10
Chris Smalling He came on and played for barely a few minutes, so the performance can’t be rated on that basis.
Who was the MOTM according to you?
