The term “professional job” aptly describes Manchester United’s convincing victory over Southampton, marking their second Premier League win of the season. This result was a crucial boost for Erik ten Hag and his team, who had been under increasing pressure after a challenging start. With three well-executed goals, a clean sheet, and several notable performances, the match was largely positive for United, despite a few injury concerns.
From the start, United appeared focused and intent on imposing their style of play at St Mary’s. They gradually found their rhythm, although the match could have taken a different turn early on. Around the 30-minute mark, Southampton had a prime opportunity to take an unexpected lead when Diogo Dalot, struggling against the energetic Tyler Dibbling, conceded a penalty. Dalot’s defensive lapse gave Southampton a chance to disrupt United’s game plan.
Yet, United’s savior emerged in the form of Andre Onana, their new goalkeeper who quickly gained a reputation as a penalty-saving specialist. Onana’s crucial save, diving low to stop Cameron Archer’s penalty, kept the score level and ended Southampton’s attacking threat. From then on, Southampton struggled to create significant pressure, failing to register another shot on target.
Onana’s penalty save shifted the momentum in United’s favor, allowing them to control the game and leverage their superior quality. Matthijs de Ligt, who played a key role in securing United’s second clean sheet of the 2024/25 season, praised Onana’s performance. “Winning was obviously very important,” De Ligt said to TNT Sports after the match on September 14. “If you only get three points from the first three games, it’s not enough. So, there was pressure on this match.”
De Ligt, named Man of the Match, delivered a strong performance, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the pitch. After a tough 3-0 loss to Liverpool and some personal mistakes with the Netherlands, this game was a chance for redemption. De Ligt rose to the occasion, winning crucial headers and tackles, and making a vital clearance when Southampton applied early pressure. His solid defensive showing reaffirmed his role as a key player for United.
Soon after Onana’s penalty save, De Ligt made his mark offensively as well. Heading in a cross from Bruno Fernandes, the Dutch defender gave United the lead with a well-executed header. This goal boosted the team’s morale. United’s second goal followed, a brilliant curling shot from Marcus Rashford, who had been working hard to regain his form. Rashford’s goal came from a well-executed corner, demonstrating United’s improved set-piece proficiency.
The influence of set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, brought in from Lillestrom by Ineos, is becoming evident. Although De Ligt’s goal wasn’t from a rehearsed play, he credited Fernandes for the opportunity. “We’ve been working on set pieces,” De Ligt said. “This one wasn’t straight from the book, but it was a great spot from Fernandes.” His comments reflect United’s gradual improvement in set-piece situations, an area that could be crucial as the season progresses.
As the game continued, United maintained control, and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho added a fresh dynamic to their attack. The young Argentine delivered a strong performance off the bench, finishing with a powerful goal following excellent build-up play from Diogo Dalot and Casemiro. Garnacho’s energy and sharp finishing capped off a match that, despite its initial tension, ended positively for United.
Looking ahead, Erik ten Hag and his team will draw confidence from this victory. The clean sheet, clinical finishing, and composure under pressure are all signs of progress. This result should ease some of the scrutiny Ten Hag faced following earlier setbacks. Despite an inconsistent start, United are showing growth, and performances like this are crucial for rebuilding confidence both within the squad and among supporters.
Onana’s penalty save was a pivotal moment that prevented potential chaos and allowed players like De Ligt, Rashford, and Garnacho to excel. As De Ligt concluded, “Hopefully, we can keep getting results like this and grow as a team.” United will aim to build on this momentum and rise up the Premier League table, hoping to transform this early-season revival into sustained success.
