As it happened: Manchester United vs Southampton

Manchester United won 3-0 at St Mary's on September 14, 2024, against Southampton to end their back-to-back defeats in all competitions and kick-started their season in the Premier League. It was an authoritative win sealed by goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho for Erik ten Hag's side.

Southampton started bright, winning a penalty as Tyler Dibling fell to the ground. But Cameron Archer's spot-kick was saved by Andre Onana, a turning point that shifted momentum to United. A few minutes later, De Ligt powered home a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner to open the scoring for his first goal for the club. A superb curling effort from Rashford, his first since March 2024, then had United in complete command just before half-time, ending a 12-game drought for the forward.

In the second half, Southampton's skipper, Jack Stephens, got a straight red for a reckless challenge on Garnacho. United took full advantage and, in stoppage time, Garnacho himself added the third with a clinical finish after a clever cutback from Diogo Dalot.

The victory came at the right time for United, as it was their first in two matches after defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, catapulting them up the table, while it exposed Southampton's vulnerabilities, especially in their backline. It was lit on the return of Rashford to form, as much of United's attacking play went through him.

In the second half, the Southampton captain was sent off after a reckless challenge on Garnacho and United took full advantage. In stoppage time, Garnacho himself added the third as he clinically finished after an ingenious cutback by Diogo Dalot.

A much-needed salve after consecutive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, United's victory advanced them up the table as it evidentially highlighted Southampton's frailties-most especially in defense. It was exciting, too, because Rashford finally seems to be getting his form back, driving behind so many of United's attacks.