They’re the main Hero in that Southampton game,if they continue like this we will actually finish above Chelsea this season”, Paul scholes single out TWO Man united star for praise for their wonderful performance against Southampton – Not Fernandez and Not Garnacho.
Paul Scholes shared his admiration for two Manchester United players after their commanding 3-0 win over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. This victory was vital for United as it helped them close the gap with their Premier League rivals, even fueling hopes of surpassing Chelsea by season’s end if they maintain their current form. Rather than praising usual stars like Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho, Scholes highlighted two other players who, though often overlooked, played key roles in the win.
While Marcus Rashford and Garnacho contributed significantly to the score, the true standouts of the match were Matthijs de Ligt and Andre Onana, both of whom had exceptional performances. De Ligt, a high-profile summer signing, made an impact by opening the scoring in the 35th minute with a powerful header. His goal not only gave United the lead but also shifted the game’s momentum. Beyond his goal, De Ligt’s defensive display was outstanding. He commanded the backline with authority, making crucial interventions and preventing Southampton from mounting any serious threat.
Before De Ligt’s breakthrough, United had faced pressure when Southampton was awarded a penalty. Cameron Archer stepped up, but Andre Onana produced a remarkable save, blocking both the initial shot and the follow-up header in a moment of sheer brilliance. This double save preserved the scoreline and gave United a much-needed boost, with Onana’s sharp reflexes and presence in goal playing a crucial role in the match.
Former United defender Wes Brown, during his analysis on MUTV, echoed Scholes’ praise for De Ligt and Onana. He pointed out how vital their performances were in securing United’s second clean sheet of the season, commending their resilience during key moments. Brown highlighted De Ligt’s defensive leadership and mentioned how this match could mark a turning point for the Dutch defender, who had faced criticism earlier in the season. “De Ligt needed a big performance, and he delivered,” Brown said, noting the defender’s vital role in organizing the defense and clearing crucial threats.
Onana also earned high praise for his game-changing penalty save. Brown stressed that had Southampton scored first, the match could have played out very differently. Onana’s quick reflexes and agility kept United in the game, allowing them to maintain control and set the pace of the match.
The efforts of De Ligt and Onana were central to Manchester United’s dominant win over Southampton. If these two continue performing at this level, United’s season could take a positive turn, with hopes of challenging for a top-four spot and even overtaking rivals like Chelsea. This victory at St. Mary’s may prove to be a defining moment in United’s season, with both De Ligt and Onana playing key roles in shaping the team’s future successes.
