In a tough and gritty display, Manchester United ground out the three points, surviving a late onslaught by Southampton to emerge victorious courtesy of an early Romelu Lukaku goal.
The three points sees United keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, albeit falling to second behind their crosstown rivals on goal difference.
It was a different type of performance from the Reds today at St Mary’s, ceding possession and surviving long periods of pressure from Mauricio Pellegrino’s side in the second half. When the Saints put all of their chips in by switching to a two up-front formation after bringing on Manolo Gabbiadini, José Mourinho went defensive, bringing on Chris Smalling and going to a three at the back formation.
As a result, Anthony Martial was left on the bench and rather than try and hit Southampton on the counter, United invited pressure and ground out the three points. It worked, even though Mourinho himself was sent to the stands in injury time.
United hung on for the three points, a change from last season where they probably would have conceded from this position. Here’s what we learnt from the south coast today:
