Player Ratings: Man Utd 0-1 Southampton – Dismal Di Maria

David de Gea 6 Despite the defeat, de Gea's only job was to pick the ball out of the back of the net. It was that kind of game.

Phil Jones 5 Once again looked a bit clumsy and out of sorts with himself. Tried to offer himself as an attacking outlet but nothing came off for him.

Chris Smalling 6 Despite it all going a bit wrong late on, Smalling looked better on the ball early on and made a few good challenges but looked desperate once United fell behind.

Daley Blind 7 A shining light on a dull day. Blind's return will be useful if he hits good form. Defended well, put him so deadly crosses and looked the only player capable of anything. 

Antonio Valencia 6 Despite a lack of end product, Valencia was willing to beat his man today. Regularly got forward and laid on one good cross that Mata fired wide. Had worse days.

Michael Carrick 4 Couldn't grab hold of the game, Southampton had his number from the off and the away side certainly won the midfield battle.


Wayne Rooney 4 Same as above. For all his effort, it didn't happen against Schneiderlin and Wanyama. Didn't get a sniff when he went up front as balls were hoofed up to Fellaini.


Luke Shaw 5 Looked ok, got forward well but his crosses lacked conviction. Proved he can play the wing back role to a solid standard but van Gaal will want more.

Juan Mata 4 How he tugged at the heartstrings today. In an all round poor performance, Mata wasted three superb chances to get United back in the game. It could have been so different.

Angel Di Maria 3 Had a shocker. Couldn't settle into the 'Robben' role, touch was off, passing was off and shooting was off. Eventually, he was off too.

Robin van Persie 3 Didn't happen for either striker. Bar a few touches, a shot and a silly yellow card you wouldn't have known he was on the pitch. A dire day all round.

Substitutes
Ander Herrera 5 Was introduced but United's Plan B of 'hoof' didn't suit him. Couldn't influence the game as he would have liked.

Tyler Blackett 5 Didn't have much to do as Southampton retreated. Did his best to keep the breakaways out.

Marouane Fellaini 5 Was brought on to cause trouble and did win a few knock downs and headers but couldn't offer the threat he has at other times.