Paul Scholes expressed admiration for two Manchester United players following their dominant 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. This win was crucial for United, as it brought them closer to their rivals in the Premier League standings, even sparking hopes that they could surpass Chelsea by the end of the season if they sustain their current form. Scholes, however, didn’t focus on the usual stars like Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho. Instead, he turned the spotlight onto two players who, although not always in the headlines, played pivotal roles in securing the win.
While Marcus Rashford and Garnacho were certainly instrumental with their contributions to the scoreline, the real heroes of the night were Matthijs de Ligt and Andre Onana, both of whom delivered standout performances. De Ligt, a significant summer signing, made his mark by breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute. His powerful header not only gave United the lead but also shifted the momentum of the match. The Dutch defender’s goal came at a crucial time, providing United with the confidence to control the game from that point onward. More than just his goal, De Ligt’s performance in defense was exceptional. He marshaled the backline with authority, making critical interventions and ensuring Southampton had few chances to recover.
Before De Ligt’s goal, United had been put under pressure when Southampton was awarded a penalty. Cameron Archer stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Andre Onana was equal to the task. The United goalkeeper made a stunning save, denying Archer’s initial shot, and then, in a moment of pure brilliance, reacted swiftly to block the follow-up header. This double save not only kept the scoreline level but also provided a psychological boost for United. Onana’s sharp reflexes and presence in goal were key to maintaining United’s control of the match and preserving a clean sheet.
Former United defender Wes Brown, in his post-match analysis on MUTV, echoed Scholes’ sentiments, singling out both De Ligt and Onana for their crucial contributions. He emphasized how vital their performances were in securing United’s second clean sheet of the season, praising their resilience and impact during the most intense moments of the game. Brown particularly focused on De Ligt, noting that the defender had faced some criticism in earlier matches. This game, however, marked a turning point. According to Brown, De Ligt delivered the kind of commanding performance that United fans had been hoping to see, making vital clearances and organizing the defense with confidence. “De Ligt needed a big performance, and he delivered,” Brown said. “He was in the right places at the right times, making crucial stops, and getting a clean sheet was a big bonus. Scoring the opening goal only added to his great performance.”
Onana also received glowing praise from Brown, who highlighted how the goalkeeper’s penalty save was a defining moment in the match. Brown pointed out that had Southampton taken the lead early on, the dynamics of the game could have been very different. Onana’s ability to keep United in the game with his heroics was a testament to his quality as a top-level goalkeeper. His quick thinking and agility ensured that United remained in control, ultimately allowing them to dictate the tempo of the match.
The performances of De Ligt and Onana were instrumental in Manchester United’s commanding win over Southampton. If they continue to perform at this level, it’s clear that United’s prospects for the season could be much brighter than initially anticipated. With solid contributions from these key players, the team can not only challenge for a top-four finish but also possibly surpass rivals like Chelsea in the standings. The victory at St. Mary’s may well be remembered as a turning point in United’s campaign, with both De Ligt and Onana playing pivotal roles in shaping the team’s future success.