Man Utd player ratings vs Southampton: Viva the Ajax old boys! Matthijs de Ligt and Andre Onana ease the pressure on Erik ten Hag as Marcus Rashford ends six-month goal drought in straightforward win

Manchester United survived an early scare to beat Southampton 3-0 on Saturday as Erik ten Hag was leant a helping hand from his former Ajax charges Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt before Marcus Rashford ended his long goal drought.

United made a rocky start in their first game since the international break, and they feared the worst when Diogo Dalot was twisted inside out by tricky teenager Tyler Dibling and conceded a penalty. But Onana psyched out Cameron Archer from the spot and saved the striker’s follow-up header, too.

United seized the momentum and two minutes later De Ligt glanced in a Bruno Fernandes cross following a clever short-corner routine. Rashford the doubled the lead with a curler from outside the area, scoring his first goal in any competition for almost six months.

Manuel Ugarte made his debut off the bench in a tranquil second half as Ten Hag enjoyed some breathing space after a torrid start to the season. The game was capped by substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who almost had his knee snapped by Jack Stephens’ savage tackle which saw the Southampton captain sent-off the Argentine got on the scoresheet himself in stoppage-time.

GOAL rates United’s players from St Mary’s…

• Getty Images

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (8/10):

  Dug United out of a huge hole with the penalty save, his second for the club. Also dealt well with the home side’s aerial threat.

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Should have done better with his second-half chance, but defended steadily.

  Matthijs de Ligt (8/10):

  A great way to respond to his Netherlands nightmare. Made two important blocks before opening the scoring, and then could have had another.

  Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

  Back to his commanding ways.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10):

  Another poor display at left-back and he improved when he returned to the right later on.

  • Getty Images

    Midfield

    Christian Eriksen (6/10):

    Struggled in the early stages but his passes were spot-on and his quick-thinking led to the first goal.

    Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

    Had a difficult first 45 minutes but improved slightly after the break.

    Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

    Grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and set up De Ligt’s goal. Then bossed the second half.

    • Getty Images

      Attack

      Amad Diallo (7/10):

      Excellent overall. His movement and dribbling probed Southampton and he showed real intelligence with his passing.

      Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

      Linked up well but looked clumsy in the area and should have done better with his two clear opportunities.

      Marcus Rashford (7/10):

      Lively and finally scored with an excellent finish, which should lift his confidence.

    • Getty Images

      Subs & Manager

      Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

      Survived a horror tackle from Stephens and then completed the rout.

      Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

      Did exactly what was expected in his 15 minutes, stealing the ball and moving it on swiftly.

      Harry Maguire (6/10):

      Had an easy job when he came on.

      Jonny Evans (6/10):

      A comfortable cameo.

      Casemiro (N/A):

      Brought on in the 87th minute and played his part in Garnacho’s goal.

      Erik ten Hag (6/10):

      An important win, but should still be concerned by the way his team started the game.