Schneiderlin’s Old Trafford Impact

On a cold January evening when Southampton intensified their chase for European competition by securing a first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford since 1988, Morgan Schneiderlin’s contribution in a number of areas perhaps convinced Louis van Gaal he was a man to pursue this summer.

Flanked by Steven Davis and Victor Wanyama in the centre of the Saints’ midfield, the France international combined a steely presence with impressive vision as the visitors claimed a 1-0 victory in last season's encounter, courtesy of Dusan Tadic’s second-half strike.

United’s new signing was relentless in his movement throughout the game, covering more distance on the pitch than any of his new team-mates (12.06km) while making more sprints than any of the Reds (60). And he had only one equal in the interceptions department – Daley Blind also won possession for his side six times.

Furthermore, Schneiderlin managed the commendable feat of outdoing any of his opponents for passing accuracy during the game (94.9%), beating off competition from Spanish pair Juan Mata and Ander Herrera while narrowly edging Luke Shaw (93.4%).

A fine mix of solidity and creativity, Schneiderlin’s range of qualities shone at Old Trafford that night, his midfield maturity sharpened through years of helping push Southampton to the next level clear for all to see. Maybe 11 January 2015 was the day the 25-year-old elevated his name towards the top of van Gaal’s list of transfer targets? Here’s to more of the same from the Frenchman as a Red in 2015/16.

Credit: Manutd.com