Southampton FC v. Manchester United: Saints Player Ratings
By Erik Franzo
Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 7
Went with an identical team sheet including the bench to the team that drew with Wolves. Clearly hampered by a lack of depth and decided to not trust the youth as the team grew tired. His team is well drilled, but it is probably the right time to bring some new faces into the mix for fitness alone.
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 8
Showed his distribution still needs work, while his shot-stopping is world-class. The double save on Greenwood and Fernandes, albeit self-created was a match-changer. All three goals were from 6-8 yards out and expecting more is unwarranted.
Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 6
Most of the possession went up Southampton’s right side so he was not heavily involved. Gave away possession leading to the first goal, the spearhead of the downward spiral. Got more opportunities on the ball in the second half, but nothing seemed to go his way.
Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 7
An early miscommunication with McCarthy afforded United their first chance, but Jannik did just enough to push Greenwood wide. Did not look out of sorts with United pace and it is hard to fault him for any of the goals.
Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 8
Got himself a goal with good movement to win a header at the near post. Defended well for most of the game, but Cavani’s goals did flash across his side. Not sure he could have done anything about them though and he made a few memorable blocks.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 7
Busy from the get-go with Southampton looking to use his width as the way forward. May have been overused as he ran out of gas late, the evidence most often seen in his dip in passing. Still an overall professional performance from the every week right back.