Southampton 0-1 Manchester United: Three key players

By Jack Deery | Sep 25, 2017

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United scores his sides first goal past Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu, the player of the season from 2016/17, seems to be building up a strong centre-midfield partnership with new boy Mario Lemina.

Proving to be an absolute rock in midfield last year, the Spaniard put in another workmanlike performance in what was a tough battle against the United midfield of Matic, Fellaini and Mata. Romeu dealt with whatever was thrown at him and even had a few chances to equalise late on. However, it feels harsh to let his inability to score dampen his performance.

Along with Lemina, Romeu was able to break up play and drive the midfield forward like we saw him do so well last season. Winning the midfield battle is an integral part of winning any football match, so more performances like this could be key to Mauricio’s men pushing on for the rest of the season.