Manchester United came away with a 2-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League’s first Friday Night Football match, keeping the Red Devils unbeaten with their revamped squad.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to be the focal point for United, despite Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan making their debuts on Friday. Wayne Rooney played a solid role for the Red Devils in the attack, providing service to Ibrahimovic on the first goal, while Luke Shaw has been another bright spot for Jose Mourinho’s side since returning from a devastating leg injury a season ago.
Here’s a mark out of 10 for each player on the pitch.
Manchester United
David De Gea - 5 - Wasn’t called to do much in the match, but the Spaniard likely won’t be complaining about that.
Antonio Valencia - 6 - Managed to get forward on several occasions but didn’t
Eric Bailly - 7 - Has held up well in his few PL appearances for United. Holds down the backline very well with his commanding presence.
Daley Blind - 5 - Again, not the most challenging night for United’s backline but did well when called upon.
Luke Shaw - 6 - Even though he wasn’t an offseason signing, the left back is going to be a massive addition this season after coming back from injury. The young Englishman is fun to watch getting forward.
Marouane Fellaini - 5 - Had himself a quiet match with the inclusion of Pogba but clogged up the middle well.
Paul Pogba - 6 - A bit shaky at the start, but his abilities on the ball are undeniable. So hard to knock him down when he’s in motion.
Juan Mata - 6 - Played in several dangerous crosses and continues to make a case to keep his place in the starting squad.
Wayne Rooney - 6 - The ever-aging attacker continues to make things happen. See United’s opening goal.
Anthony Martial - 5 - Had several dangerous chances to get forward and muster up shots, but the Frenchman struggled with his finally touches.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 8 - Another casual day at the office for Ibra. A pair of goals and another United win.
Subs: Ander Herrera - NR - Came on late to take off
Southampton
Fraser Forster - 6 - The keeper had a busy afternoon but couldn’t do much on either finish.
Cedric Soares - 4 - Struggled to handle the United attack but limited their chances in front of goal.
Jose Fonte - 5 - Was responsible for Ibrahimovic’s first finish but had a solid outing otherwise.
Virgil Van Dijk - 4 - Was forced to deal with United’s pace down the wing, and had the best view in the house of Jose Mourinho’s quality first touch trap on the sideline.
Matt Targett - 5- Did well getting forward and appears to be a threat out of the left wingback position going forward.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 5 - Very quiet afternoon in the midfield. Likely didn’t make the impact he wanted.
Oriol Romeu- NR - Not an ideal night for the midfielder after being cut short by injury. Replaced after 12 minutes by Jordy Clasie.
Steven Davis - 5 - Gave a solid effort for over an hour, but was withdrawn as Southampton looked for another attacking option.
Shane Long - 4 - Didn’t have many chances, but did manage to hit side netting in the first half to give the Old Trafford crowd a scare.
Dusan Tadic - 6 - Had a few quality chances to score, including his finish which was called back for offsides.
Nathan Redmond - 6 - His speed was dangerous down the right but the winger didn’t have the support on the end of his services.
Subs: Jordy Clasie - 4 - Did well at times replacing the injured Romeu, but the touch on Shaw leading up to United’s second goal was too undisciplined. Charlie Austin - 4 - Was fairly nonexistent up front after entering for Steven Davis. Jay Rodriguez - NR- Came on late to replace Shane Long.