Manchester United returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. This result halted a two-match losing streak that had seen United slip to 14th in the Premier League standings following defeats against Brighton and Liverpool. The comprehensive win lifted them back to eighth, providing a much-needed confidence boost as they continue their 2024/25 campaign.
The victory was marked by standout performances from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, each contributing goals that secured all three points for Erik ten Hag’s side. Southampton, on the other hand, remained winless in their return to the Premier League, having lost all four of their matches since being promoted.
Early Penalty Drama and Onana’s Heroics
Southampton started brightly, threatening United’s defense with their young forward Tyler Dibling, who won a penalty in the first half after being brought down by Diogo Dalot. Cameron Archer stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, made a crucial save. This moment proved to be the turning point of the match, as United swiftly capitalized on Southampton’s missed opportunity.
There were just two minutes and 31 seconds between Onana’s penalty save and Matthijs de Ligt’s opening goal. The Dutch defender rose highest to meet Bruno Fernandes’ floated cross, heading in his first goal for Manchester United. This goal shifted the game’s momentum decisively in favor of the visitors, putting Southampton under pressure.
Southampton’s manager, Russell Martin, was left to rue the missed penalty, stating, “We had the chance to put pressure on them, but failing to convert the penalty cost us dearly. It was a harsh lesson in Premier League football.” His team failed to capitalize on their early dominance and was punished for it.
Rashford and Garnacho Seal the Win
United doubled their lead just before half-time, with Marcus Rashford scoring a sublime goal from outside the box. After a disappointing 2023/24 season in which he scored only seven league goals, Rashford showed flashes of his best form, curling a brilliant shot that hit the far post and bounced in, leaving Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with no chance.
United’s dominance continued into the second half, with Southampton struggling to create any clear-cut chances. The home side’s misery was compounded when Garnacho, coming off the bench, drew a red card for Southampton captain Jack Stephens. Stephens’ wild challenge on Garnacho was deemed dangerous by the referee, leaving Southampton with 10 men for the final minutes of the match.
Garnacho then added a third goal deep into stoppage time. A clever cutback from Diogo Dalot found the young Argentine, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win for Manchester United. Garnacho’s impact from the bench further demonstrated United’s attacking depth.
Southampton’s Struggles Continue
Southampton’s poor start to life back in the Premier League continued with this defeat, leaving them 19th in the table. This is the third time in their history that they have started a Premier League campaign with four straight losses, a dubious record they previously set in 1998/99 and 2012/13.
Southampton manager Russell Martin acknowledged his side’s need for improvement. “We have promising spells, but fine margins are costing us. Today was a prime example – we had a penalty, failed to score, and moments later, we were behind. We need to be more clinical and sharper defensively,” Martin remarked in his post-match interview.
Despite their early attacking endeavors, Southampton failed to register a single shot in the second half, as United cruised to victory. Tyler Dibling, one of Southampton’s few bright spots, showed flashes of his potential, but it was a tough day for the Saints overall.
Key Facts from the Match
- Andre Onana’s crucial penalty save: This was a significant moment, as Onana had previously conceded all seven penalties he had faced in the Premier League before this match.
- Marcus Rashford’s resurgence: Three of Rashford’s last four Premier League goals have come from outside the penalty area, underlining his threat from distance. His 41st-minute strike in this match was another example of his long-range precision.
- Southampton’s unwanted record: Southampton became the first team in Premier League history to start three separate campaigns with four consecutive defeats.
