Manchester United 3-2 Southampton Player Ratings: Gabbiadini shines

Man United lift the cup

A Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace helped Manchester United lift the EFL Cup with a fortuitous 3-2 victory over Southampton – but how did players on both teams rate?

Manchester United

David De Gea – made good saves from Ward-Prowse and Tadic. Was caught flat-footed for Southampton’s first goal but could have done little about their second. 5

Antonio Valencia – too often caught out of position in the first half, allowing Southampton space in behind. Looked more like his rampaging self after the break. 5
Eric Bailly – could have done more to stop crosses from Southampton’s left and his passing was at times too direct. Often relied on his pace to get into position. 4
Chris Smalling – showed more positional caution than Bailly. Made some good decisions but at other times he could have been more aggressive. 5
Marcos Rojo – involved in some good combination play for the goal, but Soares and Ward-Prowse got past him too easily at times. 3

Ander Herrera – failed to assert himself on the game as much as usual, yet still contributed in match-defining moments. Won the free-kick for Zlatan’s first goal and produced a superb cross for his winner. 6
Paul Pogba – was not aware of the space in front of the defence in the first half. Helped by the protection of Carrick, he grew into the game midway through the second. 4
Jesse Lingard – took his goal nicely and did his defensive duties well, particularly when moved to the right for the second half. Could have done better with some of his chances but unlucky to be taken off. 7
Juan Mata – anonymous in the first half and at times failed to chase Bertrand back. Appears affected by personal issues and was taken off at half-time. 4
Anthony Martial – endured quiet first half, not helped by the team’s lack of midfield control. One or two impressive runs after the break. 4

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – contributed little… apart from his curling free-kick in the first half – oh, and his header to win the game late on. 7

Michael Carrick (on 45) – his composure and positional awareness helped United gain periods of second half control. 8
Marcus Rashford (on 77)
Marouane Fellaini (on 90)

Southampton

Fraser Forster – while criticisms of his positioning for the first goal may be a touch harsh, he did not save Southampton when they needed him. 4

Cedric Soares – got forward well and would have set up Gabbiadini for the opener if not for the offside flag. Could have defended United’s second goal better. 7
Jack Stephens – fortunate not to be sent off for a studs up challenge and partially at fault for both of United’s goals from open play. Inexperience showed on the big occasion. 3
Maya Yoshida – failed to keep Ibrahimovic quiet, but produced one important challenge on Lingard. 4
Ryan Bertrand – some excellent runs down the left made him key to all of Southampton’s good attacking play in the first half. Less adventurous after the break. 8

Oriol Romeu – fouled Herrera for Ibrahimovic’s free-kick and should have tracked Lingard for the second goal, but could have redeemed himself when his second half header hit the woodwork. 3
Steven Davis – a quietly efficient first half display, but lost some of his grip on the midfield after the interval. 5

James Ward-Prowse – often made overlapping runs when Tadic or Redmond picked up the ball in front of the defence and produced some excellent deliveries. Forced a good first half save from De Gea too. 8
Dusan Tadic – got into some good positions in front of United’s defence and was excellent in the first half. Became something of a passenger after the break and was taken off. 6

Nathan Redmond – looked lively in the first half. Caused problems both down the left or when dovetailing with Tadic into a more central role. Decent volley after the break. 7
Manolas Gabbiadini – sensed opportunities with clever movement, as he did for both goals including a sniper-like second. Could have had a hat-trick if his opener was awarded and unlucky to be taken off. 9

Sofiane Boufal (on 77)
Shane Long (on 83)
Jay Rodgriguez (on 90)