Southampton were defeated 3-0 at the hands of Manchester United.
Southampton were hoping to put an end to a three-game losing streak, with an out-of-form Manchester United sitting in their way.
There was a clear sense of intent from Russell Martin for his side to go out and cause an upset at St Mary’s as seen from his team selection, which saw Adam Armstrong, Will Smallbone and Taylor Harwood-Bellis dropped for Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling, all of which helped transform the centre-of-the-park.
Unlike the opening three matches, there was a real urgency on the ball early on from Martin’s side and that undoubtedly derived from the several changes in the side, alongside Manchester United’s midfield.
The first half saw Southampton given the golden opportunity to take the lead through a penalty, however Cameron Archer was unable to convert, with Matthijs De Ligt taking an opportunity down the other end only minutes later and knocking it past Aaron Ramsdale.
The Saints did very little in the second half, and although it was a solid first 30 minutes of action by the Saints, questions will be asked over Martin’s side who have now lost four on the bounce, which was confirmed following Alejandro Garnacho’s late strike.
Here are our Southampton player ratings against Manchester United…
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Aaron Ramsdale
Was in the right place to deny Joshua Zirkzee’s light, yet goalward attempt in the six-yard box. Did very well to deny a second shot from the Dutch striker from outside the box. Was short-sighted for Marcus Rashford’s goal. 6/10
Yuki Sugawara
Expectedly caused Manchester United problems down the right flank. Often found himself in space and countlessly managed a killer ball into the box. 6/10
Jan Bednarek
Fell asleep and lost his marker, De Ligt, for the opening Manchester United goal, leaving him with a free header. 4/10
Jack Stephens
Did not step up with the defence for the Man United opener, playing De Ligt onside. Struggled throughout the game defensively. Reckless and unnecessary challenge on Garnacho that ultimately killed the game. 3/10
Kyle Walker-Peters
Played well on the offensive front, despite playing on his unnatural left-side. Defensively struggled in the second stanza against Amad Diallo. 6/10
Flynn Downes
Linked up well with Sugawara on the right-hand side with smart and intricate passes. 6/10
Lesley Ugochukwu
Looked solid when breaking up play on his Premier League debut for Southampton. Had a decent chance from Sugawara’s corner in the first half, should have directed it on target. 7/10
Mateus Fernandes
Very bright start in the centre-of-the-park. Added an extra dynamism in the centre-of-the-park. Was unable to provide much in the second half. 6/10
Tyler Dibling
Tested Andre Onana in-between the sticks for Man United early on with his left foot outside the box. Got the crowd going. Managed brilliantly well against the experienced Diogo Dalot, drawing in a foul to win the penalty. 9/10
Cameron Archer
Was unable to convert at the crucial moment from the spot. Should have closed Rashford down for his goal and should have attempted more than a lazy out-stretched leg. Hooked on the 60th minute. 4/10
Ben Brereton Díaz
Struggled to get into the first half with most attacks going through Dibling on the right-flank. Did very little of note and was rightly replaced on the 60th minute by Ryan Fraser. 5/10
Substitutes: Taylor Harwood-Bellis 5/10, Ryan Fraser 6/10, Adam Lallana 6/10, Maxwel Cornet 5/10, Ross Stewart 5/10.