Manchester United 3-2 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is challenged by Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is challenged by Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton holds off Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton holds off Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Jannik Vestergaard

Vestergaard was Southampton’s best defender at Old Trafford.  Most impressively he recovered from what was looking like a long day, getting nutmegged by Marcus Rashford in the opening minutes.

The Danish centre-back did miss his best opportunity to score this season.  He met the Ward-Prowse corner kick right where he wanted, but sent it clear over the bar.  Fans have heard a lot about his attacking aerial threat, but have yet to reap the benefits.  However, he did everything else he was asked for and more, taking Rashford out of the game and making some incredible long-legged interceptions.

Jan Bednarek is getting a ton of deserved attention this season, and Maya Yoshida continues to outplay Jack Stephens in his return.  Although, it is Vestergaard who needs to be applauded for his consistency, coolness on the ball, and strength to ride opposing forwards away from goal.

His confidence on Saturday against Manchester United was just more evidence that this player was a nice buy for Saints, and will be a quality centre-back for years to come.