The Red Devils rode an early storm on a sun-lit south coast to beat the Saints with a helping hand from their goalkeeper and new defensive recruit
Manchester United survived an early scare to beat Southampton 3-0 on Saturday as Erik ten Hag was leant a helping hand from his former Ajax charges Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt before Marcus Rashford ended his long goal drought.
United made a rocky start in their first game since the international break, and they feared the worst when Diogo Dalot was twisted inside out by tricky teenager Tyler Dibling and conceded a penalty. But Onana psyched out Cameron Archer from the spot and saved the striker's follow-up header, too.
United seized the momentum and two minutes later De Ligt glanced in a Bruno Fernandes cross following a clever short-corner routine. Rashford the doubled the lead with a curler from outside the area, scoring his first goal in any competition for almost six months.
Manuel Ugarte made his debut off the bench in a tranquil second half as Ten Hag enjoyed some breathing space after a torrid start to the season. The game was capped by substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who almost had his knee snapped by Jack Stephens' savage tackle which saw the Southampton captain sent-off the Argentine got on the scoresheet himself in stoppage-time.
GOAL rates United's players from St Mary's…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (8/10):
Dug United out of a huge hole with the penalty save, his second for the club. Also dealt well with the home side's aerial threat.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Should have done better with his second-half chance, but defended steadily.
Matthijs de Ligt (8/10):
A great way to respond to his Netherlands nightmare. Made two important blocks before opening the scoring, and then could have had another.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Back to his commanding ways.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Another poor display at left-back and he improved when he returned to the right later on.
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Christian Eriksen (6/10):
Struggled in the early stages but his passes were spot-on and his quick-thinking led to the first goal.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Had a difficult first 45 minutes but improved slightly after the break.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and set up De Ligt's goal. Then bossed the second half.
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Amad Diallo (7/10):
Excellent overall. His movement and dribbling probed Southampton and he showed real intelligence with his passing.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Linked up well but looked clumsy in the area and should have done better with his two clear opportunities.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
Lively and finally scored with an excellent finish, which should lift his confidence.
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Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Survived a horror tackle from Stephens and then completed the rout.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Did exactly what was expected in his 15 minutes, stealing the ball and moving it on swiftly.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Had an easy job when he came on.
Jonny Evans (6/10):
A comfortable cameo.
Casemiro (N/A):
Brought on in the 87th minute and played his part in Garnacho's goal.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
An important win, but should still be concerned by the way his team started the game.