Analysis: Southampton 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Sunday 2^nd September 2012

The Reds visited St. Marys looking for 3 points to sign off with before the international break, but it almost wasn’t to be. United were very nearly undone by Southampton, but two late goals from Robin van Persie (completing his hat-trick after an earlier goal) sealed a dramatic win. Here are the main United-related talking points from this fixture:

Midfield lacked

The partnership of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley in central midfield (for the first time) has been many people’s ideal combination, but it failed to live up to its billing. Cleverley, as good as he is, is not the type of player to control the tempo of a match, and he struggled to impact the game finding himself on the peripherals. Similarly, Shinji Kagawa was barely involved as the match progressed-he and Cleverley were mostly pressed out of the play by Southampton’s three in midfield. These two players work well in possession, but struggled to influence this game, and Kagawa in particular relies on a controlling midfield behind him otherwise his effect becomes nullified. Michael Carrick was also poor in this game, his first in midfield this season. He completed the most passes in the match (115), but was still erratic at times and perhaps needs more games to work his way into the season.

Paul Scholes was a contrast to these displays when he arrived into the game with an hour gone. He pressed the play very well whilst bringing a control to the midfield. His passing was varied and effective, and he was the catalyst for the change in performance that enabled United to go on and score those important late goals; he remains an important asset to the squad.

Meanwhile, it is also worth noting the performance of United’s wingers. Antonio Valencia was once again solid, putting in good crosses and providing a vital direct threat on the right flank. Danny Welbeck however was once again mostly ineffective on the left-side. Whilst he showed plenty of energy and intent, that is clearly not his position. The introduction of Nani on the left illustrated this, as the Portugese brought a wider and more direct threat to Southampton.

Defensive foundations

No side has ever won the league with a dodgy defence. Centre-back partnerships have been vital to title wins, whether it be Bruce/Pallister, Stam/Johnsen, Terry/Carvalho or Kompany/Lescott. But perhaps the best partnership of the new era has been Ferdinand/Vidic, and their reunion in defence was a welcome sight on Sunday. Both performed admirably, and with a run of games they will  surely provide that essential bedrock to the United team.

United’s full-backs on the other hand are still raising concerns. Rafael and Evra are both potential weak links in the back four. Both players are very effective attackers, and their positioning is generally ok, but concentration errors in their game cause United problems. The two of them were at fault for the Southampton’s goals, and they were also too often bypassed by the opposition winger. There is no easy solution, but there is an area of concern for United in the full-back position.

Going Forward

Lindegaard came into goal looking confident in the air, and the return of Ferdinand and Vidic was more than welcome. The midfield need to become a bigger presence away from home, but goals are coming. Van Persie was terrific, and his hat-trick was a delight to witness. The Dutchman is a brilliant goalscorer and is seemingly already becoming a vital part of the team. It will be exciting to see how his United career progresses. United can now take stock of a sticky start to the season and look to press on after the international break.

Ratings

Lindegaard-6, Rafael-6, Ferdinand-7, Vidic-6, Evra-6, Carrick-6, Cleverley-5, Kagawa-6, Welbeck-6, Valencia-7, van Persie-8

(Scholes-9*, Nani-7, Hernandez-7)

*Man of the match