The Red Devils defeated the Saints by riding an early storm along the sunny south coast, helped along by their custodian and a new defensive addition.

After overcoming an early scare to defeat Southampton 3-0 on Saturday, Marcus Rashford ended his lengthy goal drought, and Erik ten Hag received assistance from his former Ajax charges Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt.

In their first match following the international break, United got off to a rough start, and they were afraid for the worst when Diogo Dalot was turned inside out by cunning teenage player Tyler Dibling and gave up a penalty. However, Onana stopped Cameron Archer’s header after he was set up and also psychologically disoriented the striker.

United took the lead, and after a deft short-corner move, two minutes later De Ligt glanced in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. With a curling shot from outside the box, Rashford extended the lead and scored his first goal in a competition for nearly half a year.

After a wild start to the season, Ten Hag gained some breathing room in the second half when Manuel Ugarte made his debut off the bench. Alejandro Garnacho, a replacement, scored the game’s final goal after Jack Stephens’ violent tackle nearly broke his knee. While the Southampton captain was sent out, the Argentine also managed to score in stoppage time.

 

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (8/10):

Dug United out of a huge hole with the penalty save, his second for the club. Also dealt well with the home side’s aerial threat.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Should have done better with his second-half chance, but defended steadily.

Matthijs de Ligt (8/10):

A great way to respond to his Netherlands nightmare. Made two important blocks before opening the scoring, and then could have had another.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

Back to his commanding ways.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Another poor display at left-back and he improved when he returned to the right later on.

 

Midfield

Christian Eriksen (6/10):

Struggled in the early stages but his passes were spot-on and his quick-thinking led to the first goal.

Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

Had a difficult first 45 minutes but improved slightly after the break.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and set up De Ligt’s goal. Then bossed the second half.

 

Attack

Amad Diallo (7/10):

Excellent overall. His movement and dribbling probed Southampton and he showed real intelligence with his passing.

Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

Linked up well but looked clumsy in the area and should have done better with his two clear opportunities.

Marcus Rashford (7/10):

Lively and finally scored with an excellent finish, which should lift his confidence.

Subs & Manager

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

Survived a horror tackle from Stephens and then completed the rout.

Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

Did exactly what was expected in his 15 minutes, stealing the ball and moving it on swiftly.

Harry Maguire (6/10):

Had an easy job when he came on.

Jonny Evans (6/10):

A comfortable cameo.

Casemiro (N/A):

Brought on in the 87th minute and played his part in Garnacho’s goal.

Erik ten Hag (6/10):

An important win, but should still be concerned by the way his team started the game.