Premier League: De Ligt Delight for Manchester United as Dutchman Nets in 3-0 Win Over Southampton

Manchester United had a potential sliding doors moment in their Premier League fixture at St. Mary’s against Southampton on Saturday as the Reds managed to post a 2-0 win over Russell Martins’ men.

Dutchman Mathijs de Ligt opened the scoring Erik ten Hag’s unit with a headed effort, a couple of minutes after Andre Onana had managed to stop a spot kick. Marcus Rashford, doubled United’s lead before the referee called time on the first period to end a goal drought and cement United’s hold on the game.

Alejandro Garnacho added sheen to the win with a goal in the sixth minute of second half add time as United claimed their second triumph of the campaign.

The hosts were all over the visitors in the opening half hour of the game, but could not put the ball in the back of the net as Onana thwarted a couple of gilt-edged chances for the Saints in front of a roaring home support.

United made Southampton pay for their profligacy in front of goal as they struck two in quick time to establish a position of command in terms of the scoreline and held on to the advantage in the second period to claim an important win considering how the side from Manchester have started their nascent PL season.

Things went from bad to worse for the Saints as Jack Stephens was brandished the red card and had to march off the field for an early shower.

The triumph is a crucial one for ten Hag’s United, who had just the soliary win in the campaign ahead of their trip to St. Mary’s. United opened the season with a narrow win over Fulham, before slumping to back-to-back losses to Brighton and Liverpool in contrasting fashion.

The win on the road will do a world of good for the Dutchman in charge and his compatriot De Ligt, who had endured a tough start to life at United.

But, the towering defender came good on the day to put his side ahead by directing the ball towards the side of the net to leave Aaron Ramsdale helpless, before Rashford got his first goal in a dozen games as he squeezed the ball into the far corner as the ball kissed the woodwork on its way into the back of the net to send the United faithful into a frenzy.