It’s three and somewhat easy for Manchester United, as Erik ten Hag’s side overcame an early onslaught to leave St Mary’s with maximum points.
Goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho eased the pressure on the Dutchman in a 3-0 win, with Southampton offering a stern test throughout the opening 30 minutes.
Andre Onana’s penalty save paved the way for a turning of the tide, with his side craving a spark to burst into life.
As we know, football can be a cruel game, and the home support will curse their inability to capitalise on their early dominance.
Ultimately, nothing but a win would do for Ten Hag, and three valuable points can go a long way to galvanising his fortunes for the remaining campaign.
A tale of two halves for Manchester United
Having ended a tragic 2023-24 campaign with a memorable FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, the 20-time English champions were aiming for a positive start to the season.
However, following back-to-back league defeats, Ten Hag could ill afford a third upset on the bounce – with Russell Martin’s side aiming to gain an opening point of their campaign.
Despite three defeats on their return to the top flight, Southampton have played attractive football and averaged 68% possession across their previous outings.
United displayed a noticeably high line against Brighton during their previous travels but opted to sit deeper this afternoon, offering possession to the hosts – much to the surprise of those in attendance.
Tyler Dibling earned his first start for the Saints and was a constant threat early on – testing Onana with a smart effort before earning a penalty following fine work past Diogo Dalot shortly after the half-hour mark.
In truth, it would be difficult to begrudge Martin’s side the lead following a controlled onslaught of pressing and attack-minded transitions.
However, the Cameroonian denied Cameron Archer from the resulting spot-kick and provided his side with the required jolt for a response. Joshua Zirkzee tested Aaron Ramsdale from distance within 60 seconds, before De Ligt guided a resulting cross home.
Rashford doubled his side’s lead six minutes later with a fine effort from outside the area – ending a run of nine Premier League games without a goal. It was a dominant ten-minute period to end the half, with the home supporter stunned into silence.
The second 45 was a complete contrast, with United in control and the Saints devoid of ideas.
Ramsdale was called to action several times, producing a magnificent save to deny Rashford a second from distance. To their credit, Southampton fought to rekindle a sense of attacking flair, with Manuel Ugarte and Garnacho introduced after 73 minutes.
The Argentinian provided his typically flamboyant approach in transition and was soon on the end of a hideous challenge by Jack Stephens, with the Saints captain handed his marching orders.
United remained satisfied to hold possession and see out the win, with Zirkzee going close once again before Garnacho smashed home from Dalot’s fine cutback, sealing a deserved victory with all things considered.
It is mission accomplished for Manchester United, with eyes turning to a Tuesday Carabao Cup encounter with Barnsley.
Sometimes, all a team requires is one moment to galvanise a damaged group. Let us hope that Onana has supplied that saving grace for Erik ten Hag.
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