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Although the result wasn’t what we expected but I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player like Him in my career before, there’s one through pass that He gave that makes me think wether if He’s human”, Southampton star Armstrong reveals the ONE Man United player that really surprised Him last night – Not Amad and Not Fernandez

admin_403zj633January 17, 2025Last Updated: January 17, 2025

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Manchester United almost “reverted to type” as they salvaged a 3-1 win against bottom-placed Southampton after an unconvincing performance courtesy of Amad.

An unlucky deflection off Manuel Ugarte from a corner in the first half was cancelled out by another deflection, the result of Amad’s industriousness which saw him equalise late on.

The Ivorian then went one better and gave them a lead with injury time looming to claw victory from the jaws of defeat. The gloss was added by who else but that man again as he completed a deserved hattrick to seal United’s three points.

Ruben Amorim will be left with more questions than answers despite the result, with the team looking miles away from the one that turned up the last two games.

Here’s how the players rated-

Andre Onana – 8
Kept United in the game with a remarkable double save in the first half. Almost clawed out the deflection from Ugarte for Southampton’s opener. The comeback wouldn’t be possible without his first-half heroics.

Leny Yoro – 2
Started well but increasingly looked cowered and wary of Sulemana’s threat on transitions. That trapped him in a vicious cycle of low confidence leading to more errors. Worst game for the club in his small career so far.

Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Restored to the centre of defence and made some nice tackles and clearances but was nowhere near assertive enough.

Lisandro Martinez – 4
Another who looked like he was determined to match the level of the opposition after two great games against Arsenal and Liverpool.

Amad – 9
Tried to get United moving up the pitch by running forward at every opportunity. Got his deserved luck for United’s equaliser then ramped up to score two more and complete a deserved hattrick. Give him Player of the Season now.

Noussair Mazraoui -5
Started in another new position, this time as the left wing-back, and being on his “wrong” foot clearly hurt United’s attacking thrust.

Manuel Ugarte – 5.5
Unlucky deflection for Southampton’s opener. Was doing fairly well till that point but nowhere near the standards he’s set for himself recently.

Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Fluffed a big chance and looked hurried by the Southampton press at times. Victim of Amorim’s half-time change for tactical purposes.

Bruno Fernandes – 4
Pressed aimlessly and passed carelessly as he reverted to the frustrating version after two talismanic displays at Arsenal and Liverpool.

Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Should have put United ahead early in the first half but missed a glorious chance and the opposition grew in confidence after. Created one big chance in the second half.

Rasmus Hojlund – 2
Was the target of the fans’ ire for his passive play and losing duels all the time. Service isn’t much but he’s isn’t helping himself either.

Substitutes

Antony – 3
An unbelievable missed chance soon after coming on at half-time summed up his struggles at the club. Lacking quality. Nobody was expecting him to “save” this game for United.

Joshua Zirkzee – 7
Looks better than Hojlund which, admittedly, is not a high bar to clear right now. Should start against Brighton after proving to be a marked improvement on the Dane’s performance.

Toby Collyer – 6
Added energy and running to the midfield and showcased glimpses of skills on the ball with some nice progressive passes.

Harry Maguire – 5.5
Assertive in defence although he had a couple of shaky passes. De Ligt on the right and Maguire in the middle looks best for now.

Christian Eriksen – 7
Special assist for Amad’s second goal that gave United the lead.