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Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 Southampton

Sports Mole rates the performances of those involved in Southampton's 1-0 win at Manchester United.

Southampton won at Old Trafford for the first time in the Premier League era on Sunday as they beat Manchester United 1-0.

The only goal of the game came on 70 minutes when substitute Dusan Tadic calmly slotted the ball into the net after Graziano Pelle had hit the post.

An out-of-sorts United looked laboured for much of the afternoon and ended the game without having registered a single shot on target.

Here, Sports Mole assesses the performances of those involved in the encounter at the Theatre of Dreams.


Robin van Persie of Manchester United reacts as he leaves the pitch during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on January 11, 2015© Getty Images

Man Utd

Goal

David de Gea: Did not have the busiest of afternoons, but there was little that he could have done about Southampton's goal. (6/10)

Defence

Daley Blind: Offered the hosts plenty of width on the left. However, his lack of pace was problematic as United tried to push forward late on. (6/10)

Chris Smalling: Did a decent job of anchoring his team's defence, though the odd moment of indecision did not always inspire confidence. (6/10)

Phil Jones: A committed display from the England international, who worked hard higher up the pitch during the final stages. (7/10)

Midfield

Luke Shaw: Despite showing plenty of enthusiasm against his former employers, a lack of fitness saw him brought off with 25 minutes left. (6/10)

Juan Mata: Saw lots of the ball throughout the match, but he failed to provide the spark that United so desperately needed. Also squandered a couple of good opportunities. (6/10)

Michael Carrick: While he gave the Red Devils a steady platform in midfield, Carrick also looked overwhelmed by the Saints a few times. (6/10)

Wayne Rooney: A subdued afternoon for United's skipper, even though he got further forward as the match went on. Could have done a lot more to help his side. (5/10)

Antonio Valencia: One of the hosts' better players on the day. Always made himself available out on the right and put some good crosses into the box. (7/10)

Attack

Angel di Maria: The Argentine did not look as sharp as he could be following a spell out of action. Caused the Southampton defence a couple of problems, though these were only fleeting. (6/10)

Robin van Persie: Struggled to get involved in the match as he often cut an isolated figure up front for United. (5/10)

Substitutes

Ander Herrera: Gave the hosts an injection of energy when he came off the bench with half an hour to go. (6/10)

Tyler Blackett: Came on shortly before United conceded and did little of note after that. (5/10)

Marouane Fellaini: Put himself about during the final 20 minutes or so, forcing the Southampton defence to take a more physical approach. (6/10)


Southampton's Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic removes his shirt as he celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on Janua© Getty Images

Southampton

Goal

Fraser Forster: Did not face a single shot on target, but there were a few moments when his poor kicking and distribution put the visitors under unnecessary pressure. (5/10)

Defence

Ryan Bertrand: Bombed up and down the left with great energy for much of the game, while he also helped to keep United's forwards at bay. (7/10)

Toby Alderweireld: Was a composed presence at the back before a leg injury forced him off with just 21 minutes played. (6/10)

Jose Fonte: Was a rock in defence for the visitors and also gave United something to think about at the other end of the pitch when he came up for corners and free kicks. (7/10)

Nathaniel Clyne: Made his mark on the right flank with some good runs. Also helped out at the back whenever the hosts came forward. (7/10)

Midfield

Morgan Schneiderlin: A man-of-the-match performance from the Frenchman, who ran tirelessly and used his footballing brain to control the midfield. (8/10)

Victor Wanyama: Working alongside Schneiderlin, Wanyama's power and dynamism made sure that the likes of Mata and Rooney had an uncomfortable afternoon. (7/10)

Steven Davis: A low-key match for the Irishman, though he still played an important role at both ends of the pitch for the Saints thanks to his stamina. (7/10)

Attack

Eljero Elia: Showed some silky skills down the wing before he came off with 63 minutes on the clock. Judging by this display, he should be okay in the Premier League. (6/10)

Graziano Pelle: Posed a threat as the lone striker thanks to some good service from his teammates. Could have got on the scoresheet had he brought his shooting boots. (7/10)

James Ward-Prowse: The Englishman's deliveries from corners and free kicks were important for the Saints during an impressive 90 minutes. (7/10)

Substitutes

Florin Gardos: Was thrown into the action after 20 minutes following the injury to Alderweireld, but he slotted in seamlessly to the Southampton defence. (7/10)

Dusan Tadic: Scored the decisive goal seven minutes after coming off the bench, showing great technique to slot the ball in after Pelle had hit the post. Made a nuisance of himself after that. (7/10)

Harrison Reed: Was introduced with 10 minutes left and did well to soak up the pressure with his teammates. (6/10)


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Manchester United's English defender Tyler Blackett can't reach the shot from Southampton's Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic as Tadic scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old T
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