“We tried to redeem ourselves with this match and we succeeded because of him. We wouldn’t have won this match without his football intelligence. He most definitely changed the game” – This is according to Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt as he praises his Manchester United teammate after their Premier League win against Southampton, stating they “changed the game.” They really did in this match, didn’t they😳😳 They were a few mistakes here there but we got our three and we moving to a positive state
Manchester United delivered a confident and much-needed victory against Southampton, securing their second Premier League win of the season. This result came as a relief for manager Erik ten Hag, who had been under mounting pressure following a shaky start. United’s composed performance, highlighted by three goals, a clean sheet, and standout individual efforts, gave the team a timely boost despite a few injury concerns.
United began the match with composure, steadily finding their rhythm. However, the game could have taken a different direction early on when Southampton was awarded a penalty after Diogo Dalot’s defensive slip against Tyler Dibbling. Southampton had the chance to disrupt United’s game plan, but Andre Onana, United’s new goalkeeper, saved Cameron Archer’s penalty, keeping the score level and effectively ending Southampton’s attacking threat for the rest of the match.
Onana’s crucial save set the tone for United’s control of the game, allowing them to dictate the pace and exploit their superior quality. Matthijs de Ligt, instrumental in United’s second clean sheet of the season, praised Onana’s performance, acknowledging the pressure to secure three points after a difficult start. De Ligt himself delivered an outstanding performance, winning key duels and making a vital clearance, proving his value to the team after earlier errors in previous matches.
De Ligt also contributed offensively, heading in a Bruno Fernandes cross to give United the lead. Marcus Rashford followed up with a superb curling shot from a corner, a testament to United’s growing strength in set pieces, influenced by set-piece coach Andreas Georgson. De Ligt acknowledged Fernandes’ quick thinking on the play, noting the team’s gradual improvement in dead-ball situations.
As the game progressed, United maintained control, and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho added fresh energy to their attack. The young forward sealed the win with a well-taken goal, finishing off a move involving Dalot and Casemiro.
This victory will offer confidence to Ten Hag and his squad, showing signs of growth and resilience. Onana’s penalty save was the game’s turning point, allowing players like De Ligt, Rashford, and Garnacho to shine. With this momentum, United will aim to build on their success and improve their standing in the Premier League as the season continues.
