Southampton 1-1 Manchester United: Premier League – Player Ratings
By Erik Franzo
Midfielders
Oriol Romeu, Centre-Midfielder – 5
1st contribution was wiping out Pogba 20 yards from goal. Still lacking confidence to play a pass beyond 15 yards and it stopped a counter in the first half. Disrupted a handful attacks, but his legs don’t look 100%. It appears if a pass doesn’t hit him in the feet he is missing the lateral movement for a positive first touch. Battled until the very end as always, but really did not have a good match outside of his enforcer role.
James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 7
30 seconds in, tried to sneak a free-kick De Gea was prepared for. Went direct for the ensuing corner and hit the side netting. Still appears to not have his full fitness under him, but that will never stop the captain from 90 effective minutes. Huge tackle on Luke Shaw in the dying minutes. His set pieces weren’t perfect today, but we’ll forgive him.
Moussa Djenepo, Attacking-Midfielder – 7
Incredibly confident on the ball around defenders. Eager to support his buddy Perraud deep in defense on the left side. Part of the move centrally which led to the opening goal. Earned a yellow wrestling Fred in the midfield which always puts fans on alert. Ralph caught wind of this and got him off the field before the 70th minute. For as much as other wingers are preferred by fans, this performance should quiet a few.
Theo Walcott, Attacking-Midfielder – 4
Two early chances to drive forward resulted in nothing. His work on Luke Shaw could not be overlooked as the English left-back was totally nullified. Ralph opted to go even more defensive to start the second half by removing Theo and adding Bendarek.