Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-0 Southampton

José Mourinho’s side fell third in the table behind Chelsea, dropping more points after a third consecutive draw. David De Gea was impressive once again, Phil Jones showed his authority as United’s best central defender and Henrikh Mkhitaryan failed to deliver on his return to the starting lineup; here are our player ratings.

David De Gea: 7

Thwarted Southampton’s attack on multiple occasions, most notably the excellent foot save that he made just after the half to deny Shane Long. He also made a superb save, stretching low to his left in the opening stages to prevent Ward-Prowse from scoring.

Ashley Young: 7

Young has had an excellent season and continues to be United’s inspiring character on the field. He ventured forward frequently, being a much needed wide outlet for the Reds’ staggering offense. He was lucky to get away with a cheeky elbow to Tadić in the second half off a corner.

Victor Lindelöf: 6.5

Lindelöf has transformed into a trusted center back in his short time with the club so far. After a tumultuous start to his United career, the young Swede has proved why he should always be up for selection in the backline. Once again this evening, he showed his qualities on and off the ball, even with the pacey Shane Long pestering the backline all night.

Phil Jones: 7

Jones led the stout United defense to a much needed clean sheet after a flurry of games conceding goals. Assured and solid throughout.

Luke Shaw: 6.5

Luke Shaw has provided some quality displays of late and playing against his former club, he offered United pace and adventure on the left-hand side. However, his forward runs often finished with no end product on a frustrating evening.

Nemanja Matić: 5.5

Matić looked like a player that needs a rest. The 29-year-old offered little in United’s offensive build-up and was wasteful with his chances when he got them.

Paul Pogba: 6.5

The Frenchman showed glimpses of his qualities tonight, yet his influence could not affect the game. His passing and creativity is undeniably excellent but United may need more from the star man. He had a goal disallowed in the second-half for offside.

Juan Mata: 6

Mata provided his usual clever skill on the ball, offering United a creative outlet to play through, particularly in the first-half. Unfortunately, his productivity stopped there, his impact in the last third was non-existent.

Jesse Lingard: 6.5

Lingard was denied, what to most would say, a clear penalty in the first half. He provided some exquisite trickery, keeping the ball in the air and flicking it over his shoulder, only for the referee to wave the claims away. Lingard has been United’s most influential player over the last few games yet his busy and energetic display fell short of his recent escapades.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 4

The Armenian looks a shadow of the player that enjoyed a great start to the campaign. His delivery was woeful at times and often met with a chorus of boos from the Old Trafford faithful. Came off shortly after the hour mark for Martial.

Romelu Lukaku: N/A

The Belgian striker came off after just 14 minutes after clashing heads with a Southampton defender. The head injury looked serious with Lukaku needing to be stretchered off. The concussion protocol will begin meaning Lukaku will miss potentially two games for the reds.

Marcus Rashford (Sub, 14’): 6

Rashford continues his run of playing in every Manchester United game this season. However, being given the main starting role up top, he failed to impose himself on the game. He had some enterprising runs in the first-half, but being asked to do a hold-up forward is not his game.

Anthony Martial (Sub, 65’): 6.5

Arguably a breath of fresh air after the lackluster performance from Mkhitaryan. Martial offered United an energetic threat going forward.

José Mourinho: 5

Being forced into taking his trusted forward Lukaku was a blow to Mourinho. However, his style of slow build-up play has many fans discouraged. Three draws on the bounce over the Christmas period – where United are typically strong – is definitely disappointing form.