Southampton Manchester United | 2022/23 PL

We learnt a few things as Manchester United came up with a gritty performance to beat Southampton in their fourth match of the 2022/23 Premier League season, which also happens to be their second win so far. The Red Devils had endured a week of intense criticism after their 4-0 hammering at Brentford, but they responded in style to earn the wins over Liverpool and Southampton.

Manchester United, Southampton — Image Obtained Via Manutd

Bruno Fernandes proved to be United’s match-winner, scoring the only goal of the game. A clean sheet and an away win was another landmark moment as new coach Erik ten Hag attempts to get the Red Devils playing in his own style. Although keeper David de Gea was forced into a superb save in the second half, the away team were relatively comfortable throughout the game.

1. Lisandro Martinez Is A Sensation

Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire had no command over the defensive structure in the first two games of the season. However, Varane replaced Maguire, who looked so composed at the back and the confidence seemed to have passed onto Martinez, who is improving game by game.

Lisandro Martinez’s stats vs. Southampton:

100% ground duels won
100% successful dribbles
61 touches
48 passes
7 clearances
5/5 aerial duels won
4 interceptions

(📊@StatmanDave)

Most aerial duels won on the pitch… #SOUMUN #MUFC 👀🔴 pic.twitter.com/8F6cG0HffV

— JD Football (@JDFootball) August 27, 2022

United’s £55 million summer signing was Man of the Match as Ten Hag’s men picked up a crucial away win at St Mary’s. The Saints often threatened, but the Argentine was equal to the challenge, thwarting everything that the hosts threw at him. Martinez alongside his other defenders helped Manchester United keep a clean sheet against Southampton.

2. Bruno Fernandes Picking Up His Form

Bruno Fernandes kept hold of the captain’s armband for the trip to St Mary’s. The Portuguese ace repaid that faith in the second half to give the Red Devils the lead. It was a classic Bruno performance where the midfielder was quiet for most parts of the game but came up with the crucial goal.

It was a good team goal from the Manchester side. A patient build-up down the right-hand side eventually led to Diogo Dalot putting the ball into the area where Fernandes was waiting to provide a lovely cushioned finish past the Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

3. Casemiro Makes His Debut And Sets The Standard In Midfield

United’s new signing was subbed on only for the last 10 mins, but he already showed the fans what to expect from him. Casemiro did not hide his desire and intensity while defending, and in the dying minutes of the game, this really helped United to hold on to the lead.

The Brazilian calmly cleared the ball after Scott McTominay lost possession close to United’s defensive third. With Casemiro watching on from the bench, the pressure was on the Scot to show his presence in midfield. McTominay ventured forward for an effort that was saved in the second half. He also won the ball to start the long move which culminated in the only goal of the match.

United boss Erik ten Hag shared his thoughts after the game:-

“It has to be the standard for Manchester United. It has to be normal, but also you celebrate every win because you have to fight for it. We learnt from our lesson in Brentford. There is room for improvement, but there was also some really good football. The last half an hour was a survival, and there I think we can do better. There was not always pressure on the ball, but [the defenders] stayed compact and were straight in the duels.”

Southampton had their share of chances throughout the game, but great defending from Manchester United and some solid saves from De Gea kept the hosts from scoring any goals. With this win, the Red Devils extended their unbeaten run against the Saints while also ending their own run of seven straight away defeats in the Premier League.

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