The term “professional job” felt perfectly appropriate as Manchester United earned a comfortable victory over Southampton, securing just their second Premier League win of the season. The result was a much-needed boost for Erik ten Hag and his squad, who had faced growing pressure after a rocky start to their campaign. With three well-crafted goals, a clean sheet, and several standout performances, it was a day filled with positives for United, despite a few moments of concern due to injury scares.
From the outset, United seemed composed and determined to impose their style of play at St Mary’s. The team gradually found their rhythm, but the match could have taken a very different turn early on. Around the 30-minute mark, Southampton were handed a golden opportunity to seize an unexpected lead when Diogo Dalot, struggling to cope with the lively Tyler Dibbling, conceded a penalty. Dalot’s defensive frailty had given Southampton a chance to capitalize and throw United’s game plan into disarray.
However, United had a savior in Andre Onana, their new goalkeeper who has quickly established himself as a penalty-saving expert. Onana’s heroics between the posts were crucial, as he dived low to deny Cameron Archer from the spot, keeping the scoreline level. His decisive save not only prevented Southampton from gaining the upper hand but also marked the end of their attacking threat. For the remainder of the match, Southampton struggled to mount any significant offensive pressure, failing to register another shot on target.
Andre Onana’s penalty save set the tone for what eventually became a comfortable afternoon for United. It shifted the momentum firmly in their favor, allowing them to control the match and take advantage of their superior quality. Matthijs de Ligt, who played a pivotal role in securing United’s second clean sheet of the 2024/25 season, was full of praise for the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s performance. “It was obviously really important to win,” De Ligt told 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 some pressure on this match.”
De Ligt, who was named Man of the Match, delivered a commanding performance, demonstrating his dominance on both sides of the pitch. After a 3-0 loss to Liverpool and some personal errors while representing the Netherlands, this game was an opportunity for redemption. De Ligt rose to the occasion, winning key headers and tackles while making a crucial clearance at the far post when Southampton were applying early pressure. His solid defensive display reaffirmed his status as one of United’s key players.
Moments after Onana’s penalty save, De Ligt made his mark on the attacking end as well. Meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross, the Dutch defender expertly guided the ball into the far corner of the net, giving United the lead. It was a textbook header, executed with precision, and it lifted the spirits of the entire team. United’s second goal soon followed, a spectacular curling effort from Marcus Rashford, who had been working intensely in training all week to regain his form. Rashford’s goal came from a well-executed corner, further highlighting United’s growing proficiency in set pieces.
The influence of set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, brought in from Lillestrom by Ineos, is clearly beginning to show. While De Ligt acknowledged that his goal wasn’t directly from a rehearsed play, he was quick to credit Fernandes for spotting 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 words echoed the sentiment that United are gradually refining their game, especially in dead-ball situations, an area that could prove vital as the season progresses.
As the game wore on, United remained in control, and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho added another spark to their attack. The young Argentine delivered a strong performance off the bench, capping it off with a powerful goal following excellent build-up play involving Diogo Dalot and Casemiro. Garnacho’s energy and sharp finishing provided the perfect conclusion to a match that had initially seemed tense but ultimately unfolded in United’s favor.
Looking ahead, Erik ten Hag and his squad will take confidence from this victory. The clean sheet, the clinical finishing, and the team’s ability to remain composed under pressure are all signs of progress. For Ten Hag, this result should alleviate some of the scrutiny that had mounted following earlier setbacks in the season. United, despite their inconsistent start, are showing signs of growth, and performances like this one will be critical in restoring belief both within the squad and among the fanbase.
The importance of Andre Onana’s penalty save cannot be overstated, as it was the turning point that prevented United from slipping into potential chaos. It also allowed players like De Ligt, Rashford, and Garnacho to flourish in a game that ended with positives across the board. As De Ligt summed up, “Hopefully, we can keep getting results like this and grow as a team.” United will now look to build on this momentum and continue to climb the Premier League table, with hopes of turning this early-season revival into a sustained run of form.