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After a thumping win to start their Premier League campaign, Manchester United have suffered their first stalemate of the season against Southampton at St. Mary's. What started off on a high note attacking wise for the team from Manchester quickly turned into a game of perfect execution by Ralph Hasenhüttl's men.
On that note, let's take a quick look at the
5 best performers for Manchester United against Southampton in game week 2 of the Premier League
#5 Harry Maguire
In their away game against Southampton, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire's performance can be best summed up by one adjective - decent.
He was a solid presence at the back, covering aerially for his partner Victor Lindelöf, all while playing out passes from the back to try and break the deadlock. Maguire looked solid while in possession, having an accuracy of 79% with his 46 passes in the game. However, an important takeaway from the game was his artistry to play through Southampton's tenacious double press.
Maguire was a focal point while building attacks from the back, and he stood out for his immaculate ball progression. Covering for his fellow teammates in defense and commanding the team during set pieces is just part of what club captain Harry Maguire brings to the team.
With a more stable partner in Raphaël Varane beside him in the upcoming fixtures, he could incrementally step up his performances for Manchester United.
#4 Bruno Fernandes
It wasn't the perfect game for Bruno Fernandes following a stellar hat-trick to start his Premier League season against Leeds United. Yet, Bruno Fernandes played an incremental part in getting Manchester United another point from a losing position. It was his quick link-up with Paul Pogba that eventually gave Mason Greenwood the chance to equalize.
Often the man to lead Manchester United towards victory, Fernandes was subject to a dogged Southampton press which hampered his performance in front of goal.
There were also an instance in the build-up to Southampton's goal, where the referee did not blow his whistle after Fernandes was taken down near the touchline. This was allegedly according to the latest Premier League refereeing directives.
Throughout the game, his playmaking activities were closed off by the conservative tactics of Ralph Hasenhüttl. Especially in midfield, where every heavy touch by United's midfielders was punished by the duo of Oriol Romeo and defender Mohammed Salisu.
With Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani to feature a lot more going forward, the upcoming Premier League fixtures could be more favorable for United's prime talisman.
#3 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba added another assist to his tally for Manchester United in the Premier League against a dogged Southampton side. His performance can best be summed up as a satisfactory one. After all, it was his assist for Mason Greenwood's powerful finish that got Manchester United the all-important equalizer.
The story could have been much different than what the scoreline suggests had one of his many attempts at goal flown in. He was only whiskers away from goal in the second half, as a result of a shot following a neat dribble that tore the Southampton defense apart.
What this suggests is that Ole Gunnar Solskjær seems to have finally given Pogba the attacking freedom to move into the final third, to create as many chances as he can for his team. Be it creating chances for his team-mates or taking them himself, watch out for more such performances from the Manchester United superstar.
#2 Mason Greenwood
Presently the most in-form striker for Manchester United. Mason Greenwood has stepped up his game massively in the new season. Being consistently picked by the manager to lead the line is a statement on its own for a 19-year-old, who spent most of last season playing down the right flank.
This signifies the eventual progression United have always hoped of Greenwood, to soon become the club's number one centre-forward.
After a goal in the opening fixture against Leeds that gave his side the lead, it was his finish against Southampton that sealed a point for Manchester United on their first away trip of the Premier League season. With Pogba supplying a fine pass after a neat one-two with Fernandes, Greenwood tucked it away nicely beyond Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy amidst the chaos in front.
#1 David De Gea
With some describing this season as a make-or-break for United goalkeeper David De Gea, the player has surely looked more make, than break, in the two opening games for his side.
However, he is yet to register a clean sheet, thanks to a cracker finish by Luke Ayling in the match against Leeds and a deflected shot by Che Adams versus Southampton.
The Spaniard was able to walk home confidently after having been solid at the back for his team in both outings so far in the Premier League.
De Gea produced an imperative save in the 73rd minute, after Harry Maguire was caught in possession that led to Armstrong breaking into United's penalty area. With saves such as these, one can't help but reminisce about the 2017-18 Premier League season where he won the Golden Glove for his performances.
With 36 more Premier League fixtures to prove his mettle, Manchester United and De Gea will be hoping their form improves even further.
