Manchester United had to fight hard to secure three points against Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday.
The Red Devils conceded just before halftime. The visitors, who had yet to score from a corner all season, broke their drought courtesy of Manuel Ugarte’s own goal.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony both squandered golden opportunities to put United ahead.
United manager Ruben Amorim made several attacking changes to inject fresh energy into the team.
Amad Diallo then saved the day with a stunning 12-minute hat-trick, securing a crucial victory.
United are now 12th in the Premier League.
Player Ratings
Andre Onana – 8/10
Making double saves has been a standout feature of Onana’s campaign, and he showcased it once again by denying Mateus Fernandes.
United would have been 3-0 down by the half-time without him.
Leny Yoro – 3/10
The ‘untouchable‘ ace endured a nightmare evening as Kamaldeen Sulemana effortlessly breezed past him on multiple occasions.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7/10
De Ligt put in a great block to cover for Yoro’s sloppiness just after the break. He won the ball back before Diallo scored the equaliser.
Lisandro Martinez – 5/10
He was not as solid as in the previous two games.
Amad Diallo – 9/10
Diallo couldn’t have picked a better evening to score his first hat-trick. He single-handedly turned the game around.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5/10
Mazraoui started at left back and struggled to contribute going forward.
Manuel Ugarte – 5/10
The midfielder lacked energy and effectiveness after two intense battles against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
Mainoo had a glorious chance to put United ahead, but he chose to pass rather than take a shot. Was substituted at the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10
Rasmus Hojlund gifted Garnacho a perfect chance for a goal in the first half, but the winger let him down with a wayward finish.
Bruno Fernandes – 5/10
Fernandes pulled off a fine save from Ramsdale in the second half, but more creativity is expected against a low-quality opposition.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3/10
Hojlund was ineffective in duels and a non-factor for most of the game, offering little more than a lone good pass to Garnacho in the first half.
Substitutions
Antony – 3/10
The Brazilian international passed the ball to Ramsdale rather than taking a shot on the hour mark.
Joshua Zirkzee – 8/10
Zirkzee delivered lessons on holding up play and staying involved, leaving Hojlund to watch and learn from the bench. He played a crucial role in United’s equaliser.
Toby Collyer – 6/10
The 20-year-old shored up the midfield.
Christian Eriksen – 6/10
Eriksen played a beautiful pass to set up Diallo’s second goal.
Harry Maguire – N/A
Too late to rate.
