Making the Grade: Match Day 2, Manchester United vs. Southampton

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Anthony Martial of Manchester United is tackled by Jose Fonte of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on August 19, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Defence

Southampton’s back line welcomed the return of captain Jose Fonte, replacing backup Maya Yoshida whose consistency has frequently been called into question. Though still without the services of Ryan Bertrand, the defence looked stronger than the score-line would reflect. Manchester United are a team that like to attack early and often, which in turn means a constant test for the best of defences; the danger of cracking under pressure or simply getting worn down is ever-present. Saints’ defence, though, never really looked out-of-it and never slowed down even after going down 2-0 and essentially out of contention. If anything, the debatable penalty that led to the second seemed to light a fire under the defence, and they locked down even harder in a successful effort to salvage their pride and prevent an Ibra hat-trick.

With Bertrand still out, Matt Targett got the call once more; the 20 year old English international once again left it all on the pitch, going box-to-box on his wing and facing down the world’s best without fear. By the time he came off, he looked utterly gassed, but who can blame him? At 20 he might not be starting-quality just yet, but he’s definitely getting there, and games like these can only help.

Standout: Cédric

I honestly lost count of how many times I watched #2 seal out his side of the box, or parry away a would-be Ibra shot or pass, like it was just another day on the training pitch. Maybe the Euro 2016 winners’ medal gave him some extra strength and consistency from last season. It’s still early to say anything for certain, but he’s impressed me so far.

Snoozer: None/Ryan Bertrand

Okay, okay, I know this isn’t fair since Bertrand didn’t play. That said, none of the defence that did play did anything to warrant being slated this week, in this author’s opinion. Bertrand gets it this week because, after being downplayed by Claude Puel ahead of the Watford match, he’s missed yet another game with his knee and has no speculative timeline to return. This isn’t the first time he’s had knee injury problems that’ve sidelined him for extended periods of play; if he’s not back for Sunderland this Saturday, you can officially register me concerned.

Grade: 8/10

Next: Midfield Mayhem