Bruno Fernandes’ second-half strike was enough to continue Manchester United’s revival with a second win of the week, this time against Southampton.
United, lifted by Monday’s 2-1 home win over Liverpool, were able to follow-up with another victory after starting the season with back-to-back Premier League defeats. It was a tight affair against Ralph Hasenhuttl's men, with both sides creating but unable to capitalise on chances during a goalless first half, before Bruno Fernandes fired home what turned out to be the winner 10 minutes after the break.
The Saints pushed to try and get back level, but found United's defence in little mood to break, with England pair Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw once again left out by Erik ten Hag.
Here are the main winners and losers from the St Mary's.
WINNERS
Lisandro Martinez
After an excellent display against Liverpool, the Argentine was again outstanding at the heart of defence.
Much has been made of what he lacks, particularly after the horror show at Brentford, but the tenacity, determination and ability to step out and play into midfield that he brings were on full display on the south coast.
His partnership with Raphael Varane looks to be going from strength to strength, and is a platform from which Ten Hag can continue to build upon.
Diogo Dalot
The attack-minded Portuguese full-back has been preferred to Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the early weeks of the season, but hadn’t particularly impressed.
Thus, amid growing speculation that United are seeking a new right-back and that his position is under threat ahead of transfer deadline day this week, he needed a smart performance.
And, credit where it’s due, he gave one.
Dalot played his part in the winner, showing off his athleticism and ability to create goalscoring opportunities, by bombing down the right before picking out Fernandes for the winner.
But he also defended pretty resolutely throughout too and made a couple of really smart far post interceptions as Southampton pushed on late in the day.
Bruno Fernandes
A weird day for the new* United captain, but one where, ultimately, he had the final say.
It’s not that he was anonymous during the first period, it was just that he couldn’t have the impact he craved, try as he might.
But when the opportunity came in the 55th minute, Fernandes showed his class. From 18 yards, Dalot’s pick out left him with a lot to do, as it bounced up off the surface, but he adjusted his body position smartly and finished with aplomb.
United don’t always need Fernandes to play well. They don’t need him to do amazing things in the middle third or to start attacks from his own. What they need is, in that final third, him to either create chances or be on hand to take them. Here, it was the latter, and it ensured three more points.
LOSERS
Fred
Casemiro had talked up his compatriot following his arrival from Real Madrid this week.
The five-time Champions League winner spoke very positively about Fred, and how much he was looking forward to partnering him in midfield at club level, as he often does with Brazil.
Alas, Ten Hag looks to have other ideas.
Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen were given the nod to start here, and while Casemiro will soon be the first choice at the base of midfield, Fred is fourth choice at best. Handed only late minutes at St Mary’s, could he head out of Old Trafford in the coming days?
Cristiano Ronaldo
Marcus Rashford again acted as the focal point of the attack, with Ronaldo getting 25 minutes or so as a second-half substitute when replacing Jadon Sancho.
When the 37-year-old arrived on the scene, it appeared as though the idea was for Europe’s finest goalscorer of the past 50 years to wrap the game up with a second goal.
Instead, the wantaway Portuguese offered… well, nothing. He didn’t hold up the ball, killed a couple of smart counters by making poor passes/choices and in a straight race with Mohamed Salisu when he looked to be heading clean through, gave up a two-yard lead and ultimately ran it out for a goal-kick.
If he was trying to send a message and show any potential late window suitors why he’s worth any kind of significant outlay, it didn’t go to plan.
Harry Maguire
Another game where the club captain wasn’t selected.
Another match where he watched on as Martinez and Varane’s partnership took another step in the right direction.
With Ten Hag wanting the balance of a right-footer and a left-footer at the heart of his backline, it appears the England defender is now in a direct fight with World Cup winner Varane for the right-sided position.
It’s a fight where, right now, he’s not even allowed to land a shot of his own as he watched on from the bench.
