Erik ten Hag had a crucial reprieve as his Manchester United team transformed a concerning beginning against Southampton into a decisive 3-0 triumph.
A rapid double from Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford penalised Southampton attacker Cameron Archer for his earlier penalty miss in the first half. Andre Onana executed a key save, a moment that invigorated his teammates.
Southampton entered Saturday’s early match seeking their maiden Premier League victory in 18 months, having returned from relegation last season by triumphing in the Championship play-offs. United, in contrast, sought a response following consecutive defeats in their second and third matches of the season.
Below are five discussion points from St Mary’s.
1. Martin asserts that the children are satisfactory.
As Manchester United’s lineup has undergone significant changes this season, Russell Martin aims to rejuvenate his Southampton squad to secure Premier League survival, even at the expense of the players that facilitated their promotion. Still winless this season, the Saints manager opted to grant four full Premier League debuts, including to 18-year-old winger Tyler Dibling.
Dibling, sporting his socks lower than Jack Grealish while exuding comparable confidence, effectively challenged Andre Onana within the initial 10 minutes, compelling the United custodian to execute a diving save. The newcomers of Southampton – Dibling, Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes, and Cameron Archer – assisted Martin’s team in dominating the initial phase, while United was restricted to counterattacks.
Red Devils forward Joshua Zirkzee had the most significant opportunity in the first 20 minutes; however, he failed to make sufficient touch with Christian Eriksen’s through ball, enabling Aaron Ramsdale to stop his sliding attempt. This occurred after Eriksen, an unexpected inclusion in United’s starting eleven, effectively intercepted Southampton’s promising assault, facilitated by an excellent run from left-back Kyle Walker-Peters.
Russell Martin, the Scottish head coach of Southampton, addresses the TNT Sport channel before the English Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on September 14, 2024. (Image by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / LIMITED TO EDITORIAL USE. Unauthorised use of music, video, data, fixture lists, club or league emblems, or ‘live’ services is prohibited. Online in-match use restricted to 120 pictures. Forty further photos may be utilised during overtime. No video simulation. In-match utilisation of social media is restricted to 120 photos.
2. Onana alleviates Dalot’s embarrassment
Southampton’s persistent pressure in the first half appeared insurmountable for United, culminating in Diogo Dalot’s critical error at the 30-minute mark. Dalot, having executed a foolish tackle as the perilous Dibling advanced into the penalty area, was forced to rely on custodian Onana to intervene following Archer’s 51-second pause with the ball at the penalty spot.
Consequently, he proceeded, but the delay became excessive for Southampton’s No. 19, as Archer’s low attempt to Onana’s right was easily parried, along with his subsequent rebound header. The hosts lost a significant opportunity, and Archer would soon regret his miss even harder, only two minutes later.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Tyler Dibling of Southampton engages in a confrontation with Diogo Dalot of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on September 14, 2024, in Southampton, England. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Tyler Dibling posed a significant challenge to Manchester United (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
3. De Ligt and Rashford alter the momentum
Few athletes have experienced as challenging a week as Matthijs de Ligt. Following two errors that led to a half-time substitution against Germany, the £37 million centre-back need a confidence boost upon his arrival to the south coast.
At 25, De Ligt demonstrated a robust defensive performance while showcasing his offensive capabilities to give United a 1-0 lead. Following Eriksen’s short corner to Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils’ captain sent a cross aimed for De Ligt, who had been unmarked by the roaming Jan Bednarek.
Positioned onside by Southampton teammate Jack Stephens, the former Bayern Munich player was tasked with directing his header across the goal and beyond Aaron Ramsdale. The Saints were devastated, and five minutes later, Martin’s team suffered a further setback when Marcus Rashford, who was again overlooked for England selection, netted his first Premier League goal since March with a low, curving shot from beyond the penalty area.
His strike bypassed all players and into the goal off the foot of Ramsdale’s far post, resulting in a score of 2-0. United entered the half-time interval with a substantial advantage, albeit with significant areas for development.
Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender for Manchester United, celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the English Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, on September 14, 2024. (Image by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / LIMITED TO EDITORIAL APPLICATION. Unauthorised use of music, video, data, fixture lists, club or league emblems, or ‘live’ services is prohibited. Online in-match use restricted to 120 photos. An additional 40 photos may be utilised during overtime. No video simulation. In-match utilisation of social media is restricted to 120 photos.
4. Ramsdale sustains Saints’ prospects
Having chosen to go from Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale must now reaffirm his position as a starting custodian in the Premier League. Notwithstanding surrendering three goals on his debut and two further goals by halftime, the former Gunners great executed many remarkable saves to keep Southampton competitive.
Rashford executed two exceptional shots: one a dipping, low-range strike and the other a powerful close-range blast, contributing to his tally of seven saves. Martin will value Ramsdale’s aptitude for playing with his feet; but, it will be his hands that are crucial in determining whether the Saints remain in the league or are relegated.
