MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring for United
Marcus Rashford doubled the lead just six minutes later
A HUGE goal for Marcus Rashford! 🤩
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 14, 2024
The 26-year-old bags his first goal for Man Utd since March to double his side's lead 🙌
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Southampton started the brighter side before Diogo Dalot chopped Tyler Dibling down in the box inside 32 minutes.
But Cameron Archer missed the spot-kick after fans dubbed that referee Stuart Attwell cruelly made him wait 51 seconds.
De Ligt then turned the tie around with a close range header from a Bruno Fernandes assist, before Rashford scored from long range.
Saints captain Jack Stephens was given a straight red for after flying into sub Alejandro Garnacho in the 78th minute.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated every Man Utd player…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
APManchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty[/caption]
Noussair Mazraouri- 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 7
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
RexHe was elated to have notched his first Prem goal[/caption]
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Â
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
AFPBruno Fernandes[/caption]
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging.
Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost.
Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
GettyRashford’s team-mates all joined him to celebrate his first Prem goal of the season[/caption]
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on.
Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Things go from bad to worse for Southampton as Jack Stephens is sent off for this challenge on Alejandro Garnacho 🟥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 14, 2024
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/sSHnL3MMDC
