By Manchester United returned to form with a commanding 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, securing only their second Premier League away win in eight attempts.
The result provides a much-needed boost for manager Erik ten Hag, whose team had suffered back-to-back league defeats to start the 2023/24 campaign.
Despite Southampton’s early dominance, controlling 68% of possession in the opening stages, it was United who struck first. Summer signing Matthijs De Ligt broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a corner, marking his first goal for the club.
Marcus Rashford doubled United’s lead shortly before halftime, ending a personal nine-game Premier League goal drought with a curling effort that found the net via the far post.
The match’s turning point came earlier when Southampton squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead. Eighteen-year-old Tyler Dibling, impressive on his first start, won a penalty after being fouled by Diogo Dalot. However, United goalkeeper Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s spot-kick and subsequent rebound.
United’s control grew in the second half, with Rashford continuing to threaten. Southampton’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jack Stephens received a late red card for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine winger Garnacho sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, rifling home from Dalot’s assist to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
This win doubles United’s points tally for the season and extends their unbeaten run against Southampton to 16 matches. Conversely, the Saints suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them firmly in the relegation zone at this early stage of the season.
Ten Hag expressed relief post-match, stating, “This was the response we needed after a difficult start. The team showed character and quality today.”
Southampton manager Russell Martin lamented the missed penalty, saying, “That moment changed the game. We had our chances but weren’t clinical enough.”
The result eases pressure on Ten Hag and United, who now look to build momentum as they climb the Premier League table. For Southampton, the search for their first points since returning to the top flight continues, with concerns growing about their ability to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
United’s next fixture sees them host Crystal Palace, while Southampton travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion, both teams seeking to build on this weekend’s performances.
