Manchester United 0-0 Southampton: Three key players

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Jesse Lingard of Manchester United battles with Maya Yoshida and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Paul Pogba of Manchester United evades Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Wesley Hoedt

An impressive game from the Dutchman, using his well-traveled football brain to perceive situations brilliantly, making great clearances and tackles. Hoedt was awarded the Premier League’s Man of the Match award fully deservedly as he was able to snuff out the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and the in-form Jesse Lingard.

However, the ex-Lazio man could’ve become an early Southampton hero if he kept his head on 22 minutes when his free header ballooned over David De Gea’s bar.

If Hoedt can replicate this kind of performance against Crystal Palace on Tuesday in a vital encounter, then he could be well on his way to being a great acquisition for The Saints.