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Southampton 1-1 Manchester United: Premier League – Three Match takeaways

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Oriol Romeu of Southampton acknowledges the fans following his teams draw in the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Oriol Romeu of Southampton acknowledges the fans following his teams draw in the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Cedric of Southampton FC during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Cedric of Southampton FC during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Cedric vs. Valery

Cedric Soares was handed his first Premier League start of the season to the surprise of Southampton fans.  The Portuguese right-back was a part of the midweek Carabao Cup win at Fulham, but Yan Valery back in the starting eleven against United was expected.  Especially after scoring his debut wonder-goal a season ago.

Maybe Valery is still not fully recovered from the Florin Andone tackle at Brighton?  Or perhaps he has lost some confidence from the first taste of fan criticism after a couple lackluster performances?  The criticism appears to be harsh given one of his starts came against Liverpool and he should have earned an equalising assist.

Whatever it may be, Cedric did not do a lot to prove he is better suited in Hasenhuttl’s 4-2-2-2.  He backed off Daniel James all game and was a factor in the opening goal.  Cedric allowed too much space in a dangerous area, but he jumped to the overlapping run without cover from Jan Bednarek, his closest centre back.

Soares is a seasoned pro who provides depth and pressure via competition for 20 year old Valery.  For that reason, maybe handing Cedric a couple starts reminds Valery what fighting for a place is all about.  With a two week layoff before heading to Sheffield United, it is anyone’s guess who will earn that start, but it is something to monitor considering Hasenhuttl has displayed his intent to work with the bright young future of this club.