Manchester United survived a real scare to secure a late win over Southampton at Old Trafford on Thursday night thanks to a stunning twelve-minute hat-trick from Amad Diallo.
After a subpar performance from Ruben Amorim’s side, staring at an embarrassing defeat with just eight minutes left to play, the youngster’s brilliant intervention turned the game on its head.
The Saints took the lead before half-time following an unlucky own goal by Manuel Ugarte, and the visitors were good value, too.
Amorim rang the changes in the second period with Antony, Joshua Zirkzee and Toby Collyer all entering the fray. But the home side had to wait until the final minutes before finding the net, with our Ivorian wide-man ensuring all three points stayed in M16.
With lots to discuss, here are five talking points.
Diallo to the rescue
22-year-old Diallo is fast becoming a talisman for United, and he proved his worth once again with three goals to give his side a vital victory.
The former Atalanta starlet played right wing-back from the off, and he got forward to great effect throughout the evening, tormenting the Southampton defence on several occasions.
It will be interesting to see whether Amorim will be tempted to play him in a more advanced role in the coming weeks or if he will persist with the Ivorian in that wing-back position.
Red Devils were far from impressive against the Saints
Manchester United were worryingly poor against the side currently sitting rock bottom of the league.
The Reds appeared disjointed and sloppy in their play and were, in all honesty, outplayed by Southampton for over an hour.
Uncertainty on the pitch spread to the stands as the visitor’s confidence grew. In reality, they really ought to have been at least a couple of goals in front before United’s late fightback.
This will be a real concern for Amorim, who aimed to learn more from Thursday’s outing than the recent good performances against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Zirkzee delivers the desired impact off the bench
Joshua Zirkzee has had a difficult start to life in Manchester, but the Dutchman did well when he entered the field after 53 minutes.
The Holland forward replaced the ineffective Rasmus Hojlund, and he helped turn the tide in United’s favour, instantly supplying his teammates with more of a focal point up top and providing a different dimension.
He held the ball well and brought others into play far more than his Danish counterpart managed to do.
Amorim will be satisfied with the 23-year-olds contribution in what was a fine cameo.
Sulemana gives Yoro a tough night
With the focus before the match on Southampton’s dangerman, Tyler Dibling, United were perhaps caught off guard as they were given the runaround by the man on the opposite flank, Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The Ghana winger gave Leny Yoro a torrid evening, beating the French teenager repeatedly with the youngster struggling against the pacey attacker.
There are many signs that Yoro will develop into a top-class defender, but we will need to be patient with him as there are going to be plenty of games that may not go his way.
It is important to remember that the Saint-Maurice native is still only 19 years old and has much to learn before he can be seen as the finished article.
Onana makes some big saves, again!
Back in September’s league win at St. Mary’s Stadium, Andre Onana played a starring role – making a great double stop and saving a penalty.
He was in equally fine form in the return fixture with a superb double save in the first half to deny the plucky visitors.
The former Inter Milan ‘keeper was kept busy after the interval but dealt with everything adequately.
United will be grateful for the 28-year-olds efforts in what was a scarcely deserved victory.
What did you make of Manchester United in their come-from-behind victory over Southampton?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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