Manchester United secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium, ending a two-game losing streak in the Premier League. The match saw goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, with United overcoming early struggles to earn a much-needed win.
**Key Moments:**
– **First Half:**
– Southampton dominated the opening 30 minutes, creating numerous chances and pressuring United’s defense. Despite this, they failed to capitalize.
– Matthijs de Ligt broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a well-placed header.
– Marcus Rashford extended the lead five minutes later with a stunning goal from outside the box, giving United a commanding 2-0 advantage before halftime.
– **Second Half:**
– The second half was largely uneventful, with United controlling possession in midfield but not creating many clear chances.
– Alejandro Garnacho added a third goal in stoppage time, sealing the victory for United.
**Key Takeaways:**
1. **Matthijs de Ligt’s Redemption:**
– After being criticized for his early performances at United and his mistake for the Netherlands, De Ligt delivered a strong performance both defensively and offensively. His goal and partnership with Lisandro Martinez were crucial to United’s clean sheet.
2. **Manuel Ugarte’s Impact:**
– Ugarte made his debut as a substitute in the 73rd minute and made an immediate impact. His ability to win back possession and contribute to Garnacho’s goal showed his potential to be a key player for United.
3. **Erik ten Hag’s Concerns:**
– Despite the win, United’s shaky start in the first 30 minutes remains a concern. Southampton had several chances and were awarded a penalty, but Andre Onana’s saves kept United in the game. Ten Hag will need to address these early-game issues ahead of future matches.
Overall, while the win was a relief, Manchester United must continue improving to avoid similar early struggles in upcoming fixtures against Barnsley and Crystal Palace.
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