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Manchester United kicked off their return from the international break with a Saturday lunchtime clash against Southampton.
The Red Devils were aiming to recover from a deflating 0-3 loss at home to Liverpool.
Andre Onana took up his usual position between the sticks while Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui continued in the back line.
There was a surprise selection in the centre of the park as Christian Eriksen was preferred to Casemiro, with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes making up the midfield three. New signing Manuel Ugarte had to make do with a spot on the bench after a busy week of travel on international duty.
Amad Diallo made a return to the line up after being omitted against Liverpool with Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee retaining their starting position.
Here are three things that we learned from the encounter.
Matthijs de Ligt impresses in only second start
The Dutchman was at the centre of controversy over the international break as he was criticised for errors in both of the Netherlands’ Nations League games.
He responded in the perfect way with a strong performance at the heart of the United defence.
In a less than spectacular first 30 minutes of action, the Red Devils were under the cosh quite frequently and De Ligt made numerous tackles, blocks and interventions to keep the Saints at bay.
De Ligt grabbed his first goal in a United shirt with a commanding header from a sumptuous Bruno Fernandes cross. He almost doubled his tally when Diogo Dalot laid the ball off but his effort rather tamely hit Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The former Ajax defender completed another successful action when shortly after scoring, he rose imperiously to clear a dangerous free kick from the home side.
The second half saw United under much less pressure but De Ligt continued to impress on the ball and fans will hope the club have finally found a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez.
Diogo Dalot’s first half struggles
Dalot has so often been the characterisation of what is right about Manchester United, as the players’ player of the season is a committed professional who works tirelessly for the team.
Unfortunately he struggled massively on the left hand side as he was torn to shreds by Tyler Dibling in the first half.
Southampton had far too many chances in the first half and a lot of the issues stemmed from United’s left.
To be fair to Dalot, he is not a left back and he is playing out of position but he endured a half to forget.
He was beaten for pace and by trickery numerous times by the 18 year old Southampton winger and gave away a penalty which Andre Onana fortunately stopped from a United perspective.
The United defender recovered well in the second half and contributed effectively in attack to a much more confident side, providing a last-gasp assist for Alejandro Garnacho.
The 25 year old has certainly been one of United’s best players over the last 12 months and everybody is capable of having an off day but he will hope to recover soon in his next match.
Marcus Rashford back on the score sheet
Rashford’s lack of form has been one of the most discussed issues at Old Trafford since last season.
The Englishman was once again left out of the England squad and used the time to work with a personal coach, with video footage posted on social media.
Rashford had started the season in quiet fashion but burst into life in this match with a fantastic goal from distance that found the bottom left corner and gave Ramsdale no chance.
The 26 year old was a threat throughout the match as he linked up well with Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee in attack.
Just before his goal he had a good shot saved by the keeper and early in the second half saw a goal-bound effort deflected for a corner. He almost added to his tally with a fierce strike from range that was palmed away on the hour mark.
It was not a perfect display but it was an encouraging improvement and everyone connected to United will hope it can finally be the spark that reignites the Mancunian’s career at his boyhood club.
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