Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw were brilliant as Manchester United trounced nine-men Southampton 9-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Things got off to a disastrous start for Southampton as just 79 seconds into the game, midfielder Alexandre Jankewitz was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge on Scott McTominay. And with a numerical advantage, Manchester United piled on the pressure on the visitors, opening the scoring in the 18th minute through Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 seven minutes later before a cross from the Englishman from the right side was turned into his own net by Saints’ defender Jan Bednarek in the 34th minute. Manchester United then made it 4-0 five minutes later as Edinson Cavani headed in Luke Shaw’s corner.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a couple of changes at half-time, but that did not cut off United’s momentum. Southampton did manage to hold the hosts for a bit and even had a goal ruled out for a dodgy offside call. However, after the hour mark, the floodgates were open again as substitute Anthony Martial made it 5-0 before Scott McTominay scored the sixth with a low driven effort from outside the box.
There was more misery in store for Southampton as Bednarek was adjudged to have fouled Martial in the box, resulting in a red card for the defender and a penalty for United, which Bruno Fernandes converted before Martial and Daniel James added two more goals late on as the Red Devils romped home to a record win.
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Manchester United stars in what was an emphatic and ruthless attacking display on Tuesday night.
David de Gea: 6/10
Made a fine save to deny James Ward-Prowse in the first half. Had little to do from that point on though, as it was pretty much one-way traffic for the entire game.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 9/10
One of his finest displays in Manchester United colours. Spent almost the entire game holed up in the Southampton half and was a constant menace with his forward forays. Made a good run at the back post to tap home Shaw’s cross for the opening goal and delivered a fine cross for Martial’s second late in the game. Made a few trademark crunching tackles as well.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won
94% pass accuracy
23 final third passes
3 ball recoveries
3 interceptions
1 shot
1 goalExcellent with and without the ball. ? pic.twitter.com/rQnDarCpCy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 2, 2021
Victor Lindelof: 7/10
A largely comfortable outing for the Swede as Danny Ings was switched to the flank after Jankewitz’s early sending off. Untroubled at the back, Lindelof carried the ball forward from the back with purpose. Misplaced just six passes, played one key pass and won four aerial duels.
Harry Maguire: 7/10
Like his defensive partner, the Manchester United captain too was hardly tested in the defensive side of things by Southampton. Helped build play up from the back, strode out confidently with the ball at his feet and was precise with his passing.
Luke Shaw: 9/10
Shaw’s renaissance continued as he put in a top-class display against his former club. Even though Shaw played just 45 minutes, he made such a telling impact on the game. Set up the opening goal with a brilliant cross for Wan-Bissaka and delivered another pinpoint cross for Cavani to head home the fourth goal. Made a game-high 5 key passes before being given a well-deserved rest at half-time. Brilliant.
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:
45 minutes played
92% pass accuracy
53 touches
7 ball recoveries
5 chances created
4 crosses
4 penalty area entries
2 tackles
2 big chances created
2 assists
1 shot on targetRested for the second half. pic.twitter.com/0tO06llqLV
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 2, 2021
Scott McTominay: 7/10
Was at the receiving end of a dangerous challenge by Jankewitz, but thankfully he did not pick up any serious injury. Soldiered on strongly with his aggression in the middle of the park helping Manchester United dominate proceedings. Capped off a solid display with a well-hit goal late in the second half.
Fred: 7/10
Went about his work in the usual energetic manner. Drove forward positively, showed good intent with his distribution and did a handy job when moved to the left-back slot after the break. Made three tackles, one interception and two key passes.
Mason Greenwood: 7/10
Will be disappointed not to score a goal on the night, but was involved in a lot of positive things for Manchester United. Got the assist for Rashford’s goal and then played a brilliant pass to Fernandes in the lead-up to James’ goal in stoppage time. Forced a save from Alex McCarthy in between as well.
Bruno Fernandes: 8.5/10
Bruno Fernandes has now scored ??? assisted in nine different Premier League games since joining Man Utd:
✅ vs Watford
✅ vs Bournemouth
✅ vs Aston Villa
✅ vs Brighton
✅ vs Newcastle
✅ vs Everton
✅ vs Leeds
✅ vs Leicester
✅ vs SouthamptonTake a bow. ?♂ pic.twitter.com/Jn0mMWjLLv
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) February 2, 2021
Buzzed around the box in his typical style trying to carve out openings for his teammates. Brought an end to his longest spell without a goal or an assist in the Premier League for Manchester United when he set Martial up for the fifth goal with a delightful pass over the backline. Made no mistake from the penalty spot before setting James up for the ninth goal of the game.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
After a dull outing against Arsenal, the England international was all over the Southampton defence like a rash. A constant threat on the night, Rashford got his goal with a neat finish before forcing the third goal with a cross into a dangerous area. A livewire before making way for Daniel James at the hour-mark.
Marcus Rashford (83) has now scored more goals for Manchester United than Eric Cantona.
Overtaking a club legend. pic.twitter.com/mfArjPLuK3
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 2, 2021
Edinson Cavani: 7/10
Preferred over Anthony Martial once again at the top, Cavani was a lively presence as he caused the Saints’ backline problems with his movement. Could have won a penalty, but VAR turned down those claims. Scored the fourth goal with a pinpoint header out of McCarthy’s reach.
SUBSTITUTES
Donny van de Beek: 6/10
Replaced Shaw at half-time and slotted in the middle of the park with Fred moving to left-back. Took up good positions upfront and even though he did not make a great impact, the 45-minute run-out will have helped him.
Anthony Martial: 8/10
On for Cavani at half-time. Scored two goals on the night and could have had a hat-trick had he not fluffed his lines when one on one with McCarthy. Won the penalty from which Fernandes scored.
Anthony Martial’s game by numbers vs. Southampton [45 minutes]:
82% pass accuracy
5 shots [2 on target]
3 big chances
2 goalsWhat a way to get your confidence up. ?? pic.twitter.com/S0pfAjVFmu
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 2, 2021
Daniel James: 6.5/10
Clever finish to find the back of the net for the ninth goal. But end product was disappointing on a few occasions when he got into dangerous positions.
