World Leaks

MANCHESTER UNITED fans raged at Jack Stephens for his reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.

The Southampton defender was given his marching orders for a horror tackle in the Argentine international in the 79th minute of the St Mary’s showdown.

Reuters

Jack Stephens took out Alejandro Garnacho with a horror tackle in the second half of Saints’ clash with Manchester United[/caption]

GETTY

The defender was shown a straight red for the horror tackle[/caption]

Stephens, 30, scythed down the winger with a ridiculously high challenge, catching his right knee with his studs.

Garnacho was left in agony from the tackle, which came as Saints were 2-0 down.

The Manchester United bench leapt up in anger although referee Stuart Atwell took his time before giving the Saints star his marching orders.

And the Old Trafford faithful couldn’t believe their eyes.

One wrote on X: “Nasty challenge on Garnacho.”

Another said: “Stupid as well as dangerous from Jack Stephens.”

And another said: “Jack Stephens with a horrendous tackle. Rightfully sent off.”

One remarked: “Disgusting.”

Another chimed in: “F**k off down the tunnel Jack Stephens.”

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Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole had a pitchside view for the tackle and believes the Atwell had no choice but to send Stephens for an early shower.

“It looked horrendous from my angle. You knew he weren’t getting away from him.

“As a centre-half, Stephens doesn’t want to be there. Garnacho knocked the ball [past him].

“And he’s done it, Fletch, right in front of the Manchester United bench.

“And they’ve all jumped up and rightly so.

“The ref seen that and I feel the ref actually showed a lot of restraint in not giving it straight away and giving himself time to think.

“But for me, it’s an easy straight red.”

Things went from bad to worse for Stephens and Southampton as Garnacho bagged United’s third and final goal of the match.

Defeat to United has extended Saints’ winless start to the new season and left them toiling in 19th place in the table.

MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.

The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.

Southampton started the brighter side before Diogo Dalot chopped Tyler Dibling down in the box inside 32 minutes.

But Cameron Archer missed the spot-kick after fans dubbed that referee Stuart Attwell made him wait 51 seconds.

De Ligt then turned the tie around with a close range header from a Bruno Fernandes assist, before Rashford scored from long range.

Saints captain Jack Stephens was given a straight red for after flying into sub Alejandro Garnacho in the 78th minute.

Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated every Man Utd player…

Andre Onana – 7

Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward. But that stop proved to be absolutely crucial

Noussair Mazraouri- 7

Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance. Also got forward to good effect

Matthijs De Ligt – 7

Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.

He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.

Rex

He was elated to have notched his first Prem goal[/caption]

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless. 

Diogo Dalot – 5

Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half.

Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6

United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.

Christian Eriksen – 7

A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.

The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

Cracking cross from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.

Amad Diallo – 7

Looked lively throughout – really encouraging.

Teed up Rashford for the second goal.

Joshua Zirkzee – 6

Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.

Marcus Rashford – 7

Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost.

Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.

Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7

Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on.

Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.

He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.

Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6

Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6

Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6.

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