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Zlatan The Master – Manchester United Player Ratings From Their 2-0 Win Over Southampton

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

In his second game in charge of Manchester United in the new Premier League season, manager Jose Mourinho’s side was up against Southampton at Old Trafford. The Saints were being managed by new boss Claude Puel, who was out to make a point and put up a decent fight against the Portuguese manager.

Though the two teams looked good and created chances in the match, it was eventually the home side that took the lead through one of their top summer signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 36th minute. There were no more goals in the first half, as the home side went into the break leading 1-0.

After the restart, it was the former Sweden international who doubled his tally and made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute for Mourinho’s team, converting his performance in his second game in the top flight English football, into a “man of the match” one.

Player Ratings:

David de Gea: 6/10

Did not have much to do in the entire game apart from keeping out a very tame long shot taken at the United goal.

Luke Shaw: 7/10

A really good showing in the game on the left-hand side, as he ran forward and back to help his teammates on both sides of the pitch, performing his duties well. Also earned a penalty for his team by inviting the foul from Clasie.

Eric Bailly: 7/10

Another solid performance by the centre-back who made plenty of clearances in the game to ensure that his side kept a clean sheet.

 

Antonio Valencia: 7/10

Fit into his role well on the right and was involved in the opening goal of the game with a pass to Rooney. Created a chance for Ibrahimovic in the second half as well. Made a good solid contribution to the match.

Daley Blind: 6/10

Not the most impressive player at the back, though he did his part eventually to earn his team all three points.

Marouane Fellaini: 6/10

Did not impress as much as in the previous game, though he was quite strong in the air and played his role well alongside Pogba.

Juan Mata: 6/10

Looked good in the game and created a good chance for Pogba to score before being replaced eventually by Mkhitaryan.

Paul Pogba: 7.5/10

Looked quite impressive in his second debut for the club and he played the entire 90 minutes, helping his side secure an easy win over the Saints. Some good touches and passes, though he could not get on the score sheet.

Wayne Rooney: 7.5/10

His excellent cross set up Ibrahimovic’s header and took a long shot or two. Set up a chance for Martial as well and looked way better than his previous performances.

Anthony Martial: 5.5/10

Made an impressive run, taking a good shot though could not score in the match. Looked good as always, though a goal is what he must have wanted to his name.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 9/10

No doubt that he was the “man of the match” with his two goals that gave United all three points at home. A solid header from a Rooney cross to give his side the lead, followed by a second half penalty to double his tally. A good performance in the match with a well deserved brace to show for it.

Substitutes:

Chris Smalling: N/A

Brought on at the very end to just see out the game calmly.

Ander Herrera: N/A

Played for a total of eight minutes in the number 10 role.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6.5/10

Played 14 minutes of the game and created a decent chance for Pogba. Will want to be part of the starting eleven soon.